Ibadan, June 1, 2026 — Academic activities were disrupted across public primary and secondary schools in Oyo State on Monday as teachers commenced an indefinite strike in protest against the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.
The action followed the May 15 attack on Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinele, as well as Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, near Ogbomoso, where armed assailants reportedly kidnapped several pupils and staff members and killed two persons.
In response, the Oyo State wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) directed members to withdraw their services beginning June 1.
A visit by a correspondent to several schools in Ibadan showed full compliance with the directive, as classrooms remained empty and learning activities were halted.
Schools affected included Anglican Junior Secondary School, Orita-Mefa; St. Patrick Secondary School, Bashorun; St. Louis Grammar School, Mokola; Oba Akinbiyi Model School; and St. Brigid’s School, Mokola.
Many students who arrived as early as 7:45 a.m. were sent back home upon arrival.
However, candidates sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), along with teachers assigned as invigilators, were allowed into school premises to ensure the continuation of the examination process.
A teacher, Mrs Yemisi Alao, said staff members complied fully with the strike directive issued by the union.
She added that the action was taken in solidarity with affected colleagues and the families of abducted victims, expressing hope for the safe return of those kidnapped.
Another teacher, Mrs Tayo Olutayo, noted that both students and staff had been informed ahead of the industrial action, adding that only WAEC candidates and examination supervisors were exempted.
Similar compliance was observed in other parts of the state, including Oyo, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Saki, Eruwa, and Igboora, where public school activities were also grounded due to the strike.