The ongoing indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State has continued to raise worries among parents and education stakeholders over its effects on pupils and students across the state.
Parents and teachers who spoke in Ibadan on Wednesday expressed concern that the prolonged closure of public schools has left many children idle, exposed them to distractions, and disrupted their academic routines.
The industrial action, which began on June 1, followed the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, prompting the union to withdraw services from public primary and secondary schools statewide.
A teacher, Yemisi Alao, expressed concern about what she described as poor supervision of children by some parents during the school closure, noting that many children are left unattended while guardians go about their daily activities.
She argued that some parents overly depend on government intervention while neglecting their responsibility in guiding and monitoring their children.
Alao also noted that some children in apprenticeship arrangements are not being properly supervised, reducing the effectiveness of such training during the period.
She described the situation as troubling, adding that the country often reacts to crises rather than taking preventive steps to safeguard children’s development.
While calling for the safe return of the abducted victims, she stressed the need for stronger measures to ensure children remain engaged in positive activities such as reading, sports, and skill-building during the school break.
She further warned that the disruption may lead to academic pressure when schools eventually reopen, as teachers rush to cover lost ground and complete the syllabus.
A resident of Mokola in Ibadan, Godwin Obinna, said the strike had forced many children to stay at home or accompany parents to work, while others roam the streets or engage in informal trading activities.
He said his own children often express worry about the uncertainty surrounding their schooling, adding that he continues to reassure them that the situation is temporary.
Obinna urged the state government to accelerate efforts to resolve the dispute and strengthen security in schools to prevent future incidents.
Another parent, Bolajoko Yusuf, living in the Yemetu area, said children in her community now spend most of their time playing games and engaging in leisure activities due to the school closure.
She explained that parents in the area have adopted informal community supervision, ensuring that children are monitored even when adults are away at work.
According to her, guardians often leave instructions for their children to remain safe and avoid conflicts while at home.
Similarly, Adeola Aina, a resident of Nalende, said she enrolled her children in tailoring apprenticeships to keep them engaged, though she noted that younger children not old enough for such arrangements are the most affected.
She explained that many of them are left under the care of neighbours or spend time unsupervised while their parents are away.
Another resident, Tunrayo Adeyemo, said her children now spend most of their time playing after completing household chores, expressing concern over the prolonged school closure.
She said families are unable to do much about the situation and can only hope for a quick resolution of the strike and the safe release of the abducted schoolchildren.