The Federal Government has welcomed the suspension of the industrial action by teachers in Oyo State, describing the development as a major victory for dialogue and a positive step toward restoring uninterrupted academic activities in public schools.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the resolution followed sustained negotiations involving the Federal Ministry of Education, the Oyo State Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) at the national, zonal and state levels.
His remarks were contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo.
“I am glad to report today that the strike has been suspended. Teachers are now returning to school to educate their students.
“This is the result of our collaboration and coordination with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the Government of Oyo State,” Alausa said.
The minister commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for resolving the dispute through dialogue rather than confrontation.
He also praised the leadership of the NUT at the national, zonal and state levels for working together to reach an amicable resolution in the interest of students and the education sector.
Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that children continue to have access to quality education despite security and other challenges facing parts of the country.
“Our children will remain in school and we will continue to educate them. We will not succumb to terror,” he said.
The minister further commended teachers across Nigeria for their dedication and resilience in shaping the country’s future through education.
He added that the Federal Government would continue working closely with state governments, teachers’ unions, security agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen school safety, promote dialogue and safeguard every Nigerian child’s right to quality education.
