The ongoing Oyo NUT strike has left thousands of pupils idle at home, with parents expressing deep concerns over disrupted education and exposure to negative influences

The indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State has sparked widespread concern among parents and education stakeholders, with many children left idle at home and exposed to potential negative influences.

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The industrial action, which began on June 1, was called in response to the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15. Public primary and secondary schools across the state remain closed.

Parents and teachers who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday lamented the prolonged disruption to academic activities, especially as pupils were preparing for continuous assessment exercises.

A teacher, Mrs Yemisi Alao, criticised some parents for adopting a nonchalant attitude, leaving their children unsupervised while they go about their daily businesses.

She warned that many children are not being meaningfully engaged during the strike.

“Some of those placed under apprenticeship are also not serious about learning the trade,” she said. “This is unfortunate. We should put measures in place to secure the future of every child.”

Mr Godwin Obinna, a parent in the Mokola area of Ibadan, said his children constantly ask when school will resume. “This whole situation is unfair,” he added, urging the state government to resolve the issues and strengthen security in schools.

Other parents reported that children are now roaming streets, hawking goods, playing football or spending time on leisure activities.

Some have enrolled their wards in tailoring apprenticeships to keep them occupied, though younger children between three and seven years old have been hardest hit.

Mrs Bolajoko Yusuf of the Alaadorin area said residents in her neighbourhood have adopted a community approach to supervise children whose parents go to work.

Mrs Adeola Aina and Mrs Tunrayo Adeyemo echoed similar sentiments, expressing unhappiness over the disruption but praying for the quick release of the abducted children and teachers.

Also read: Oyo Abduction: Makinde Assures Safe Rescue of Kidnapped Pupils, Teachers Amid Crisis

The strike has raised fears of rushed academic calendars upon resumption and long-term setbacks for pupils in the state.