The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State has urged the government to fully implement the Safe School Programme and improve the welfare of teachers. This call was made during the 2026 World Teachers' Day celebration held at the Islamic High School Multipurpose Hall in Ibadan. The union dedicated this year's celebration to teachers and learners affected by the May 15, 2026 attack on a school in Oriire Local Government Area.
The NUT Chairman, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, described the surviving victims of the attack as "heroes and heroines of the teachers and education struggle in the state." He announced that the union would honour the surviving victims with its Heroes and Heroines Award and support the families of slain teachers. Fatai lauded Governor Seyi Makinde and other government officials for their roles in the rescue and survival efforts following the attack.
Fatai urged the state government to sustain efforts to improve the welfare and working conditions of teachers. He called for the full implementation of the Safe School Programme to strengthen security and protect teachers and learners in schools across the state. The union also demanded the integration of 135 teachers into the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) employment structure and approval of inter-local government transfers for some teachers appointed in 2005.
The NUT chairman also demanded administrative flexibility in conversion and career progression, prompt release of grants to school heads, and payment of outstanding 2025 leave allowances. He urged teachers to embrace artificial intelligence and other technological developments, stressing that continuous investment in teachers was essential to improving the quality of education.
The Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, said education could not be transformed without teachers. Adeniran stressed that the status, competence, and welfare of teachers remained central to the future of education. He added that support for teachers should go beyond ceremonial appreciation and include professional development, decent working conditions, and career progression.
Adeniran commended the Makinde administration for its commitment to teachers' welfare, citing the payment of outstanding inherited leave allowances and regular payment of salaries. He also noted the abolition of the six-year waiting period for teachers and the upgrade of teachers on Grade Level 14 and above. Adeniran assured teachers that their views would remain part of policy discussions aimed at improving basic education.
A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the Heroes and Heroines of Teachers Award to teachers who demonstrated courage and dedication during the Oriire school attack. The awardees included the Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Mrs. Alamu Racheal Folawe, and other teachers from various schools.
Key points
- The Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State demands the full implementation of the Safe School Programme and improved welfare for teachers.
- The union also demands the integration of 135 teachers into the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) employment structure.
- The Oyo State government has been commended for its commitment to teachers' welfare.
