The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State chapter, has honoured teachers who survived a school attack in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026. The union dedicated its 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration to teachers and learners affected by the attack. The event was held at the Islamic High School Multipurpose Hall, Orita Basorun, Ibadan. The state NUT chairman, Hassan Ajibola Fatai, described the survivors as “heroes and heroines of the teachers and education struggle in the state.”
The NUT chairman commended Governor Seyi Makinde, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, and education officials for their roles in the rescue and survival efforts. He urged the government to sustain improvements in teachers’ welfare and working conditions. Recipients of the Heroes and Heroines of Teachers’ Award included the Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Mrs. Alamu Racheal Folawe, and the Vice Principal, Mr. Ojo Jonathan Adebayo. Other recipients were Mr. Olatunde Olutoye Zacchaeus, Mrs. Oladeji Jelilat Oluwakemi, and Mrs. Daunting Mary Temitope of Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota.
Fatai presented the union’s demands, including stronger protection in vulnerable schools, integration of 135 teachers into the TESCOM employment structure, and approval of inter-local government transfers for some teachers appointed in 2005. He also sought greater administrative flexibility on conversion and career progression, prompt release of grants to school heads, and payment of outstanding 2025 leave allowances. The NUT chairman urged teachers to embrace artificial intelligence and other technological developments to remain relevant.
The event’s theme was “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping our Futures.” Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, said teachers’ competence, welfare, and professional status were central to transforming education. He noted that the celebration marked the 60th anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO recommendation concerning the status of teachers.
Adeniran commended the Makinde administration for regular salary payments, settlement of outstanding leave allowances inherited from previous administrations, abolition of the six-year waiting period for teachers’ progression, and approval of advancement beyond Grade Level 14. He assured teachers that their voices would remain part of policy discussions, adding that government, school leaders, parents, and communities shared responsibility for ensuring that every child had access to a competent, motivated, and professionally respected teacher.
The NUT chairman and other officials commended the government and education officials for their support. Those commended included Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Olayiwola; State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) chairman, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran; Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) chairperson, Mrs. Olubukola Oladipo; and Special Adviser on Education Intervention, Oloye Suraj Abiodun Tiamy.
The celebration highlighted the importance of supporting teachers and improving basic education in Oyo State. The union and government officials emphasized the need for continuous improvement of teachers’ skills, decent working conditions, and adequate teaching resources. The event concluded with a call for greater collaboration between the government, teachers, and communities to strengthen teacher quality and improve education.
Key points
- The Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State demands stronger protection for teachers and learners.
- The union honoured teachers who survived a school attack in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.
- The government was urged to implement the Safe School Programme to protect teachers and learners.
