The ongoing indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State has raised growing concerns among parents, teachers, and education stakeholders over its impact on pupils and students across the state.
Many stakeholders fear that the prolonged closure of public schools is disrupting learning, exposing children to negative influences, and affecting their overall welfare.
The strike, which began on June 1, was declared by the NUT following the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, The News Edition reports.
Parents, Teachers Express Concern
Speaking on the situation, a teacher, Yemisi Alao, expressed concern over what she described as inadequate supervision of many children during the strike period.
According to her, some parents leave their children unattended while they go to work, increasing the risk of exposure to harmful influences.
She noted that many children are spending their time without meaningful educational engagement, while some apprentices are also failing to take their training seriously.
“Ignorance has led many parents to neglect their children’s future. Some believe the government should do everything while they make little effort to guide and monitor their wards,” she said.
Alao added that the strike came at a critical stage in the academic calendar, as many schools were preparing for continuous assessment exercises.
She warned that when schools eventually resume, teachers may be forced to rush lessons in an effort to complete the curriculum.
Call for Community Support
The teacher urged members of the public to play active roles in mentoring children and engaging them in productive activities.
According to her, encouraging children to read books, participate in sports, and develop useful skills can help keep them focused and away from negative influences.
“As we pray for the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers, we must also take steps to secure the future of every child,” she said.
Children Roaming Streets, Parents Lament
Some parents also expressed frustration over the prolonged closure of schools.
A resident of Mokola, Ibadan, Godwin Obinna, said many children have been left idle, while others have resorted to hawking goods for their parents.
“My children keep asking whether schools will reopen. I keep assuring them that the situation is temporary, but it is becoming increasingly difficult,” he said.
Obinna called on the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts toward resolving the issues that triggered the strike and strengthen security around schools.
He stressed the need for measures that would prevent unauthorized access to school premises and protect pupils and teachers.
Communities Adopt Child Monitoring Measures
In some communities, parents have developed informal arrangements to supervise children while schools remain closed.
Bolajoko Yusuf, a resident of the Yemetu area of Ibadan, said parents in her neighbourhood have adopted a community-based approach to monitoring children during the strike.
She explained that neighbours collectively watch over children while their parents are away at work, helping to ensure their safety.
Younger Children Most Affected
Another parent, Adeola Aina, said she enrolled her older children in tailoring apprenticeship programmes to keep them engaged during the strike.
However, she expressed concern about younger children who are too young to participate in vocational training.
“Children between the ages of three and seven are the most affected. Many of them simply spend the day playing while their parents are away,” she said.
Similarly, Tunrayo Adeyemo, a resident of the Total Garden area, said her children spend most of their time playing after completing household chores.
“We are unhappy that our children are at home when they should be in school, but there is little we can do except hope for a quick resolution,” she said.
Stakeholders Seek Quick Resolution
Education stakeholders have continued to urge the government and relevant authorities to secure the release of the abducted teachers and pupils whose kidnapping triggered the industrial action.
They warn that a prolonged disruption to academic activities could have lasting consequences on students’ learning outcomes and development.
Many parents have also called for improved security measures in schools to restore confidence in the education system and ensure a safe learning environment for children across the state.