Walkout by Oyo teachers union leaves students without classes, sparking anxiety among guardians

The ongoing indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State has sparked widespread concern among parents and education stakeholders regarding its far-reaching impact on pupils and students, as the prolonged closure of public schools has left many children idle and exposed to negative influences.

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This development has disrupted the academic activities of students, with the strike having begun on June 1, as directed by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, in response to the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.

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A teacher, Mrs Yemisi Alao, expressed her dismay at the nonchalant attitude of some parents towards the future of their children, stating that some parents leave their wards unattended while they go to work or attend to their businesses during the strike.

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According to Mrs Alao, the lack of attention from parents has led to a situation where children are not well monitored, and some of those placed under apprenticeship are also not serious about learning the trade, with ignorance leading many parents to neglect their children's future.

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Mrs Alao noted that the nation often reacts to challenges rather than taking proactive steps to address issues affecting children, emphasizing the need to put measures in place to secure the future of every child as the country prays for the release of the abducted children.

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The strike has come at a critical period when pupils and students were about to commence continuous assessment exercises, and Mrs Alao warned that the eventual resumption of schools may lead to rushed academic activities in an attempt to cover the curriculum.

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Mrs Alao called for a collective effort to mentor children and engage them meaningfully with books, sports, and other productive activities, so that their minds will be occupied with positive ideas rather than fraudulent ones.

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A parent, Mr Godwin Obinna, living in the Mokola area of Ibadan, said the strike has resulted in many children roaming the streets, while others engage in hawking products for their parents, with his own children worried and constantly asking whether there will be no schooling again.

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Mr Obinna urged the state government to intensify efforts toward resolving the issues that led to the strike while strengthening security measures in schools, emphasizing the need for the government to put adequate security measures in place in schools to prevent unauthorized access.

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Another parent, Mrs Bolajoko Yusuf, living in the Alaadorin area of Yemetu, said many children now spend their time playing football, singing, and engaging in other leisure activities, with parents in her neighborhood adopting a community approach to child supervision during the strike.

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Mrs Yusuf explained that parents in her neighborhood watch over the children and ensure they are safe, as not all parents can stay at home, with parents usually leaving instructions for their wards before going to work to play safe and avoid fighting.

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A parent, Mrs Adeola Aina, a resident of the Nalende area of Ibadan, said she enrolled her wards in tailoring apprenticeships to keep them occupied and away from negative influences, but noted that younger children between the ages of three and seven were the worst affected by the school closure.

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According to Mrs Aina, these younger children just play around while their parents leave them in the care of neighbors or sometimes alone, highlighting the challenges faced by parents in keeping their children safe and engaged during the strike.

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Mrs Tunrayo Adeyemo, who lives in the Total Garden area, said her children spend most of their day playing after completing household chores, expressing her dissatisfaction with the situation, but acknowledging that there is nothing she can do about it.

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Mrs Adeyemo can only pray that the abducted children are released soon, as she and many other parents wait for the strike to be called off and for their children to return to school.