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. This is in response to the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from their schools in Oriire Local Government Area. They believe other actions will better help secure the victims’ release and improve school security in the state.

Instead of going on strike or protesting, the coalition told all private schools to close on Friday, 5 June. This closure is in solidarity with calls for the quick rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers. Schools will also hold special prayer sessions for their safe return.

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

They said the one-day closure would let schools, parents, teachers, and students pray for the victims’ release and for better security in Oyo State. “A special Prayer Session shall be organised by all private schools across the state on the same day, seeking divine intervention, protection, peace, and security for our communities, schools, and the nation at large,” the statement said.

The coalition also condemned criminal activities and called on 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 raised fresh worries about school safety in Oyo State.

The coalition’s decision is different from the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State, which started an indefinite strike on 1 June. They want the victims rescued quickly. The union’s national leaders also told their state branches across the country to hold solidarity protests for the victims' release and better school security.

There have been protests by NUT members and civil groups in various South-west states and Abuja over the abduction. Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday, Mr Muhammed said the coalition thought carefully about the calls for striking and protesting. They decided that neither would really help solve the problem, so they will not join the protest or strike.

“At the coalition meeting, we asked ourselves what exactly we hope to achieve through protest and school closure, and would these actions resolve the problem? I can tell you categorically they will not; instead, they will add to the problem,” he said.

He added that closing schools indefinitely could actually help the criminals who want to disrupt education. “If these terrorists who attacked schools want children out of classrooms, then closing schools will mean we are strengthening their objectives,” he said.

Mr Muhammed said keeping children at home could lead to more social problems for families and communities. Many parents have said they worry about leaving their children unsupervised at home, especially when schools offer structure, learning, and supervision.

“Most parents want schools open. Their fear is insecurity, but they also do not want their children idle at home,” he said.

The acting chairman revealed that the coalition has talked to education authorities and given them ideas on how to improve school security in the state. He said the recommendations include better school security plans and working together with security agencies and teachers’ organizations.

As efforts continue to secure the victims’ release, the different responses from public and private school groups highlight the ongoing debate about how to best tackle insecurity and push both the federal and Oyo State governments to do more to rescue the captives while keeping education running in the state.