The Federal Government has welcomed the suspension of the industrial action by teachers in Oyo State, describing the development as a triumph of dialogue and a major step towards restoring uninterrupted learning in public schools.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the strike was suspended following sustained engagements involving the Federal Ministry of Education, the Oyo State Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) at the national, zonal and state levels.
Alausa’s remarks were contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Folasade Boriowo.
“I am glad to report today that the strike has been suspended. Teachers are now returning to school to educate their students.
“This is the result of our collaboration and coordination with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the Government of Oyo State,” he said.
The minister praised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for resolving the dispute through dialogue.
He also commended the leadership of the NUT at the national, zonal and state levels for working towards an amicable resolution in the interest of students and the education sector.
Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that children continue to have access to quality education despite security challenges affecting some parts of the country.
“Our children will remain in school and we will continue to educate them. We will not succumb to terror,” he said.
The minister further applauded teachers across the country for their resilience and unwavering commitment to educating future generations.
He added that the Federal Government would continue to collaborate with state governments, teachers’ unions, security agencies and other stakeholders to improve school safety, encourage dialogue and safeguard every child’s right to quality education.