Private school owners in Oyo State have distanced themselves from ongoing calls for strike actions and protests over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, choosing instead to observe a one-day closure and prayer session in support of the victims.
The decision was announced by the Coalition of Non-State Schools in Oyo State (CONSSOS) following a meeting held on Tuesday. In a communiqué signed by the coalition’s Acting Chairman, Jamiu Muhammed, and Acting Secretary, Mayowa Solademi, members resolved that all private schools across the state would shut down on Friday, June 5, to demonstrate solidarity with the abducted pupils and teachers.
The coalition said the temporary closure would provide an opportunity for school owners, teachers, students, and parents to participate in special prayer sessions for the safe return of the victims and for improved security across the state.
According to the communiqué, schools have been directed to organise prayers seeking divine intervention, protection, peace, and safety for communities, educational institutions, and the country as a whole.
CONSSOS also condemned the rising wave of criminal activities and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property, particularly within school environments.
The move comes nearly three weeks after armed attackers reportedly abducted about 39 pupils and seven teachers from schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15. The incident sparked widespread concern and renewed debates about the safety of schools in Oyo State.
The coalition’s position differs from that of the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), which commenced an indefinite strike on June 1 to press for the immediate rescue of the victims. The union’s national leadership also directed its state chapters nationwide to organise solidarity protests demanding the release of those abducted and stronger security measures for schools.
Several demonstrations have since been staged by teachers and civil society groups in parts of the South-West and the Federal Capital Territory.
Explaining why private schools declined to join the strike and protests, Mr Muhammed said members carefully examined the potential impact of such actions and concluded they would not contribute significantly to resolving the crisis.
He argued that prolonged school closures could ultimately serve the interests of criminals seeking to disrupt education, stressing that keeping children out of school would only deepen the challenges facing families and communities.
According to him, many parents have expressed concerns about leaving their children idle at home, noting that schools provide not only education but also supervision and structure for young people.
“Most parents want schools to remain open. While they are worried about security, they also do not want their children staying at home without meaningful engagement,” he said.
Mr Muhammed further disclosed that the coalition had engaged relevant education authorities and submitted recommendations aimed at strengthening security in schools. The proposals include enhanced safety measures, improved collaboration between educational institutions and security agencies, and closer cooperation with teachers’ organisations.
As efforts continue to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, the differing approaches adopted by public and private school stakeholders highlight the broader conversation on how best to address insecurity while ensuring that learning activities continue with minimal disruption.
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