NUT Dedicates World Teachers’ Day to Abducted Oyo Pupils

The Nigeria Union of Teachers, Oyo State Wing, has dedicated the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration to pupils and teachers who were abducted during an attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The state NUT Chairman, Hassan Fatai, made the declaration on Monday during the celebration held at the Islamic High School Multipurpose Hall, Orita Basorun, Ibadan.

Fatai, in a statement issued by the state Secretary, Salami Olukayode, said the celebration was being observed with mixed feelings because of the sacrifices made by teachers and learners affected by the May 15 attack.

Armed attackers had invaded three schools in Oriire, abducting pupils and teachers and killing two people during the incident. The victims were eventually rescued on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity following a coordinated operation involving security agencies.

Fatai described the affected teachers and learners as heroes and heroines of the education struggle in Oyo State. He said the union would honour surviving victims with its Heroes and Heroines Award and support the families of teachers who lost their lives.

He also commended Governor Seyi Makinde, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Commissioner for Education Segun Olayiwola, TESCOM Chairperson Olubukola Oladipo, Special Adviser on Education Intervention Suraj Tiamy and other stakeholders for their roles in the rescue and survival efforts.

The NUT chairman urged the state government to sustain its support for teachers and continue improving their welfare and working conditions.

The celebration, held under the theme, “Standing With Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping our Futures,” brought together teachers, education administrators, government officials, labour leaders and other stakeholders.

The union’s dedication comes months after it embarked on industrial action and organised protests over the prolonged captivity of the pupils and teachers, demanding urgent government and security intervention. The victims were later released without ransom being paid, according to the Federal Government.

The NUT said the World Teachers’ Day observance provided an opportunity to remember those affected by the attack while reaffirming the need for safe learning environments and better protection for teachers and pupils across Nigeria.