Parents and education stakeholders in Oyo State have expressed growing concern over the ongoing indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), warning that the prolonged closure of public schools is negatively affecting pupils and students across the state.
The strike, which began on June 1, was declared by the Oyo State chapter of the NUT following the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15. Since then, public primary and secondary schools have remained closed, leaving thousands of learners out of the classroom.
Many parents and teachers have described the situation as troubling, noting that children who should be engaged in academic activities are now spending extended periods at home, with some exposed to unproductive influences.
A teacher, Yemisi Alao, expressed concern about the level of supervision many children are receiving during the strike. According to her, some parents leave their children unattended while they go to work, creating an environment where young people may become distracted from educational and developmental activities.
She stressed the importance of ensuring that children remain engaged through reading, sports, mentorship programmes, and other positive activities while schools remain closed. Alao also noted that the strike occurred at a critical stage of the academic calendar, as many schools were preparing for continuous assessment exercises.
Education experts have warned that a prolonged disruption could lead to rushed teaching schedules once schools resume, potentially affecting the quality of learning and curriculum coverage.
Parents across different parts of Ibadan have also voiced their concerns. Some reported that children have become anxious about their education, frequently asking when schools will reopen. Others observed that many pupils now spend their days roaming around neighbourhoods, helping with family businesses, hawking goods, or engaging in leisure activities.
Godwin Obinna, a parent, said the uncertainty surrounding the strike has left many children worried about their academic future. He urged the government to address the issues responsible for the industrial action and strengthen security measures in schools to prevent similar incidents.
Another parent, Bolajoko Yusuf, explained that families in her community have adopted a collaborative approach by monitoring children collectively while parents are away at work. She said the arrangement has helped ensure the safety of many young learners during the school closure.
Some parents have also sought alternative ways to keep their children occupied. Adeola Aina revealed that she enrolled her older children in tailoring apprenticeship programmes to help them learn practical skills while waiting for schools to reopen. However, she noted that younger children, particularly those between the ages of three and seven, have been more affected because they are too young to participate in such programmes.
Similarly, Tunrayo Adeyemo said her children spend most of their time playing after completing household chores, adding that many parents are eager for a resolution that will allow students to return to school.
Education stakeholders continue to emphasize the need for a swift resolution to the crisis. They argue that while efforts are being made to secure the release of the abducted victims, attention must also be given to protecting the educational future of thousands of learners affected by the strike.
The situation has once again highlighted the importance of school security, child protection, and the need for effective contingency plans to minimize learning disruptions during emergencies.
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