Public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State were on Monday largely deserted as teachers complied with the directive of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to embark on an indefinite strike over the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils in the state.
At Community High School, Ogungbade, Ibadan, classrooms were locked and academic activities halted as teachers stayed away from work in obedience to the union’s directive.
The strike also affected the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), with some supervisors seen waiting for the commencement of examinations amid uncertainty over the situation.
Some students who arrived at the school were later seen leaving the premises after discovering that classes would not hold.
On Sunday, the NUT directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in the state to withdraw their services from Monday, June 1, until further notice.
The union said the action was necessitated by the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted on May 15 from Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele; L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esiele; and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement signed by its secretary, Olukayode Salami, the union expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the rescue and safe release of the victims.
According to the NUT, the prolonged detention of the abducted teachers and pupils has created fear and anxiety among members and discouraged parents from sending their children to school.
