Oyo Private Schools Choose One-Day Closure Over Strike Amid Abductions

The Coalition of Non-State Schools in Oyo State has decided not to join any strike or protest over the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. They believe that other actions will better support efforts to get the victims released and to improve security in schools across the state.

Instead of a strike or protest, the coalition has told all private schools in the state to close on Friday, 5 June. This closure is to show support for the urgent rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers. Schools will also hold special prayer sessions asking for their safe return.

The coalition made this announcement in a statement after their 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 help schools, parents, teachers, and students take part in prayers 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 acts and called on security agencies to do more to protect lives and property. Their decision comes after about 39 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped in Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area on 15 May. This incident caused a lot of anger and raised fresh concerns about school safety in Oyo State.

Their stance is different from that of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State. The union started an indefinite strike on 1 June, demanding the quick rescue of the abducted victims. The union's leaders also told state chapters across Nigeria to hold solidarity protests for the release of the victims and better security in schools.

There have been protests by NUT members and civil society groups in various South-west states and Abuja regarding the abductions. Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday, Mr Muhammed explained that the coalition thought carefully about the calls for a strike and protest. They decided that neither option would 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.

Mr Muhammed added that closing schools for a long time could 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.

He pointed out that keeping kids away from school could create more social issues for families and communities. Many parents are worried about leaving their children at home without supervision, especially when schools provide structure and learning.

“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 also shared that the coalition has talked to education authorities and proposed ways to improve school security in the state. These recommendations include better school security plans and cooperation between schools and security agencies.

As efforts continue to get the victims released, the different reactions from public and private school groups highlight the ongoing debate about how to tackle insecurity. Both groups are under pressure to push the federal and Oyo State governments to do more to rescue the captives while trying to keep education running smoothly in the state.