The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo state wing, has dedicated the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration to pupils and teachers abducted during the May 15, 2026 attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area (LGA) of the state. This was announced by the state NUT Chairman, Hassan Fatai, during the celebration held at the Islamic High School Multipurpose Hall, Orita Basorun, Ibadan North LGA.
The event, themed “Standing With Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping our Futures,” brought together teachers, education administrators, government officials, labour leaders and other stakeholders. Fatai stated that the celebration was marked with mixed feelings because of the sacrifices made by teachers and learners affected by the attack. More than 40 pupils and teachers were abducted from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, L.A. Primary School, Yawota, and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle.
The abducted pupils and teachers were later rescued by joint security operatives after 56 days in captivity. Fatai described the victims of the attack as “heroes and heroines” of the teachers and education struggle in Oyo State. He said the NUT would honour surviving victims with its Heroes and Heroines Award, support the families of slain teachers and identify with learners affected by the incident.
Fatai commended Governor Seyi Makinde, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Commissioner for Education Segun Olayiwola, TESCOM Chairperson Olubukola Oladipo, Special Adviser on Education Intervention Suraj Tiamy and other stakeholders for their roles in the rescue and survival efforts. He also commended the state government’s support for teachers and urged it to sustain efforts to improve their welfare and working conditions.
The NUT chairman presented several demands on behalf of teachers, including the full implementation of the Safe School Programme and the integration of 135 teachers into the TESCOM employment structure. Other demands included approval of inter-local government transfers for some teachers appointed in 2005, administrative flexibility on conversion and career progression, prompt release of grants to school heads and payment of outstanding 2025 leave allowances.
The state Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board, Nureni Adeniran, said education could not be transformed without teachers, noting that their status, competence and welfare were central to the future of the sector. Adeniran said the 60th anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers should go beyond ceremonial appreciation to include professional development, decent working conditions, teaching and learning resources, career progression, mentoring and continuous capacity building.
The celebration featured the presentation of the Heroes and Heroines of Teachers Award to teachers who demonstrated courage and dedication during the Oriire school attack. The award recipients included the Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Racheal Alamu; Vice Principal Ojo Adebayo; Zacchaeus Olatunde; Oluwakemi Oladeji; and Daunting Temitope of Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota.
Key points
- NUT dedicates 2026 World Teachers’ Day to pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State
- Oyo State government commended for its support for teachers and rescue efforts
- NUT presents demands for improved teacher welfare and working conditions
