Teachers in public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State on Monday commenced an indefinite strike to protest the kidnap of teachers and pupils of three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that on May 15, armed men attacked Community Grammar School, L.A. Primary School, both in Ahoro- Esinele and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, near Ogbomoso, where pupils and teachers were abducted and two persons killed.
The NUT, Oyo State Wing, on the heels of the incident, directed teachers in the state to embark on an indefinite strike to begin on June 1.
A NAN correspondent who monitored the strike in public schools in Ibadan reports total compliance with the indefinite strike.
Some of the schools visited were 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.
NAN said many students arrived at their schools as early as 7:45 a.m. but were turned back and told to go home.
NAN also noted that only candidates writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and teachers on invigilation duties were allowed into the school premises.
Mrs Yemisi Alao, one of the teachers, told NAN that staff members in her school had been directed not to report for duty in compliance with the union’s directive.
“We are all in solidarity with the affected teachers, pupils and their families who are complying. We pray that the abducted victims will be freed and come back home safely,” she said.
Another teacher, Mrs Tayo Olutayo, said both students and teachers had been well informed about the industrial action before it.
“Only WAEC candidates and teachers engaged in the examination process are expected to be in school,” she said.
Reports from other parts of the state, including Oyo, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Saki, Eruwa and Igboora in Ibarapa, indicate that the strike by teachers in public primary and secondary schools was fully observed.
