Oyo Private Schools Choose One-Day Closure Instead of Strike Over Abduction

The Coalition of Non-State Schools in Oyo State has decided not to join any strike or protest about the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. They believe other actions will better support the efforts to free the victims and improve school safety in the state.

Instead of striking or protesting, the coalition has asked all private schools in the state to close on Friday, 5 June. This closure is to show solidarity with urgent calls for the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers while also holding special prayer sessions for their safety.

The coalition shared its decision in a statement after their meeting on Tuesday. The statement was signed by acting chairman Jamiu Muhammed and acting secretary Mayowa Solademi.

The coalition said this one-day closure will allow schools, parents, teachers, and students to join in prayers for the victims' safe return and for better security in Oyo State.

"A special Prayer Session will be organized by all private schools across the state on the same day, seeking divine help, protection, peace, and security for our communities, schools, and the nation at large," the statement said.

The coalition also condemned the rise in criminal activities and urged security agencies to do more to protect lives and property.

This decision comes after about 39 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped in Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May. This incident caused a lot of anger and worry about school safety in the state.

The coalition's approach is different from that of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State. The union started an indefinite strike on 1 June to push for the quick rescue of those who were abducted. The union's national leaders also told chapters across the country to hold protests demanding the victims' release and better security for schools.

NUT members and civil society groups have protested in various South-west states and Abuja over the abduction.

In a phone call with PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday, Mr Muhammed said the coalition looked closely at the idea of going on strike or protesting. They decided that neither would help solve the problem, so they will not take part in either.

"At the coalition meeting, we asked ourselves what we hope to achieve through protest and school closure, and whether these actions would solve the problem. I can tell you clearly they will not; instead, they will make things worse," he said.

He explained that closing schools for a long time could help the goals of criminal groups that want to disrupt education. "If these terrorists who attacked schools want children out of classrooms, then closing schools will mean we are helping their goals," he said.

Mr Muhammed added that keeping children at home could create more problems for families and communities. Many parents are worried about leaving their children alone, especially now when schools offer structure and safety.

"Most parents want schools open. They fear for their safety, but they also do not want their children to be idle at home," he said.

The acting chairman said the coalition has talked to education authorities and suggested practical steps to improve school security in the state. He mentioned that these recommendations include better security measures for schools and teamwork between schools and security agencies.

As the search for the victims continues, the different responses from public and private school groups highlight the ongoing discussion about the best way to address insecurity. Both the federal and Oyo State governments are being called to do more to rescue the captives without disrupting education in the state.