Oyo NUT Strike Leaves Pupils Idle, Parents Raise Concerns

The indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State has continued to spark concern among parents, teachers and education stakeholders, with many warning about its growing impact on pupils and students across the state.

Public primary and secondary schools have remained shut since June 1 after the union directed teachers to withdraw their services following the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.

The prolonged closure has left thousands of pupils out of classrooms, forcing many parents to seek alternative ways of keeping their children occupied while awaiting a resolution of the dispute.

Several parents who spoke in Ibadan expressed concern that many children were now spending their days roaming neighbourhoods, engaging in leisure activities or assisting with petty trading instead of attending school.

A teacher, Mrs Yemisi Alao, lamented what she described as the lack of adequate supervision for some children during the strike period.

According to her, many parents leave home for work without making proper arrangements for their children, leaving them vulnerable to negative influences.

She warned that the disruption could have long-term consequences on academic performance, particularly as schools were preparing for continuous assessment exercises before the strike commenced.

Alao also cautioned that when schools eventually resume, teachers may be forced to rush through academic work to meet curriculum targets.

Parents equally voiced concerns about the situation.

A resident of Mokola, Mr Godwin Obinna, said his children were increasingly worried about the prolonged closure and frequently asked when classes would resume.

Another parent, Mrs Bolajoko Yusuf, said residents in her neighbourhood had adopted a communal approach to supervising children while schools remained closed.

Meanwhile, Mrs Adeola Aina disclosed that she enrolled some of her children in tailoring apprenticeship programmes to keep them engaged and away from harmful influences.

Education stakeholders have urged the Oyo State Government to strengthen security around schools and intensify efforts to resolve issues that led to the strike.

They also called on parents and community leaders to provide meaningful activities for children during the period to prevent idleness and minimise exposure to social vices.