The ongoing indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State has continued to raise concerns among parents and education stakeholders over its effect on pupils and students across public schools.
The industrial action, which began on June 1, was declared by the union following the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.
Speaking on the situation, a teacher, Mrs. Yemisi Alao, expressed concern over what she described as the lack of adequate supervision for many children during the school closure.
According to her, while some parents leave for work or business, many children are left idle, making them vulnerable to negative influences.
She noted that the strike came at a crucial stage of the academic calendar when pupils and students were preparing for continuous assessment, warning that schools may be forced to rush academic activities once classes resume.
Alao called on parents and community members to engage children in productive activities such as reading, sports and mentorship programmes while schools remain closed.
Also speaking, a parent, Mr. Godwin Obinna, said the prolonged closure has left many children anxious about their education, adding that some have been seen roaming the streets or assisting their parents with petty trading.
He urged the state government to address the issues responsible for the strike and strengthen security measures in schools to prevent future attacks.
Another parent, Mrs. Bolajoko Yusuf, said families in her neighbourhood have adopted a community-based approach to monitoring children during the strike to ensure their safety while parents are away at work.
Similarly, Mrs. Adeola Aina disclosed that she enrolled her older children in tailoring apprenticeship programmes to keep them occupied, but noted that younger children remain the most affected by the prolonged closure.
Mrs. Tunrayo Adeyemo also expressed concern over the disruption to learning, saying her children now spend most of their time playing after completing household chores while the family awaits the reopening of schools.
Parents and stakeholders have continued to call for a swift resolution of the strike and the safe rescue of the abducted teachers and pupils, expressing hope that academic activities will resume without further delay.
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