OYO N.U.T. HONOURS ORIIRE ABDUCTION VICTIMS, DEMANDS BETTER SECURITY, WELFARE FOR TEACHERS

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, has honoured teachers and learners affected by the May 15, 2026 school attack in Oriire Local Government Area as heroes and heroines of the teaching profession, while demanding improved security and welfare for teachers across the state.

The NUT State Chairman, Fatai Hassan, made the call on Monday, October 5, in Ibadan during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration, themed: “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping our Future.” Hassan said the occasion was dedicated to the teachers and learners affected by the attack. The union presented Heroes and Heroines Awards to survivors, supported families of slain colleagues and identified with affected learners.

Hassan commended Governor Seyi Makinde for refusing to negotiate with terrorists and for supporting security and intelligence operations that led to the victims’ rescue. He also praised the Chairmen of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) for their roles in securing the victims’ release.

The NUT chairman called for full implementation of the Safe School Programme, integration of 135 teachers into TESCOM, and approval of inter-local government transfers for 2005 appointees who have spent more than 20 years serving in rural areas. Other demands included leniency in career progression for HND holders with PGDE, prompt payment of grants to school heads and payment of leave allowances for primary school teachers.

SUBEB Chairman, Dr Nureni Adeniran, said supporting teachers must go beyond celebration to include investment in training, welfare and better working conditions, noting that the Makinde administration had extended teachers’ career progression to level 17, cleared salary arrears and paid 13th-month salaries.

Guest lecturer, Prof. Solihu Adelabu, also called for a state of emergency in teacher education and welfare, while urging teachers to embrace lifelong learning through continuous training and retraining.