After weeks of empty classrooms, thousands of public primary school pupils in Oyo State are finally returning to school following the suspension of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) strike.
The Oyo State Government has welcomed the union’s decision, describing it as a step that puts the interests of pupils first and allows learning to resume across the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the decision followed an earlier appeal by the State Executive Council, which urged the union at both the state and national levels to reconsider the industrial action.
According to Oyelade, keeping children away from school for an extended period could expose them to social vices and other risks associated with idleness.
He said suspending the month-long strike had helped the state avoid the added burden of dealing with the social consequences of prolonged school closures while efforts continue to address the security concerns that led to the industrial action.
«”By calling off the month-long strike, the union has graciously saved the Oyo State Government and the people from the double jeopardy of the kidnapping incident itself and the negative social consequences of having students remain idle and vulnerable,” he said.»
The commissioner also thanked residents of the state for their patience and understanding throughout the strike.
He assured parents, teachers and pupils that the government remains committed to resolving the security issues surrounding the recent kidnapping incident and restoring confidence in the state’s education system.
According to him, efforts are ongoing to bring the situation to a successful conclusion while ensuring the safety of teachers, pupils and other residents.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.