IBADAN, Nigeria: Parents and education stakeholders in Oyo State expressed concern on Wednesday over the prolonged closure of public schools as an indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers continues to leave pupils idle following its commencement on June 1.
Okay News reports that the News Agency of Nigeria confirmed the strike was initiated in reaction to the May 15 abduction of teachers and pupils in the Oriire Local Government Area.
Yemisi Alao, a teacher in Ibadan, stated that the strike occurred as students were preparing for continuous assessment exercises. “Ignorance has led many parents to neglect their children’s future. They believe the government should do everything without them lifting a finger. The children are not well monitored, and some of those placed under apprenticeship are also not serious about learning the trade,” Alao said.
Godwin Obinna, a parent residing in the Mokola area, urged the state government to resolve the issues and improve school security. “My children are already worried and keep asking whether there will be no schooling again. I keep reassuring them that the situation is temporary and things will get better. This whole situation is unfair,” Obinna said.
In the Alaadorin area of Yemetu, parent Bolajoko Yusuf explained that residents have adopted a community approach to child supervision. “What we do in my neighbourhood is watch over the children and ensure they are safe because not all parents can stay at home. Parents usually leave instructions for their wards before going to work to play safe and avoid fighting,” Yusuf said.
Adeola Aina, a resident of the Nalende area, stated she enrolled her older children in tailoring apprenticeships but observed that children between the ages of three and seven are the most affected by the school closures. “They just play around while their parents leave them in the care of neighbours or sometimes alone,” Aina said.
Tunrayo Adeyemo, a resident of the Total Garden area, stated her children spend their days playing after finishing household chores. “We are not happy that our children are at home when they ought to be in school, but there is nothing we can do about it. We can only pray that the abducted children are released soon,” Adeyemo said.
