By The usual bustle and hustle of a typical public school during an active academic session were nowhere to be seen as AfrikTimes visited schools across Ibadan to assess the state of academic activities. Instead, reporters were greeted by a stark contrast to the usual atmosphere: a quiet environment occupied only by near-existent and renovated school buildings, trees, birds, a handful of teachers, and students sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Even on the streets, the signs were evident. Only a few students, presumed to be WASSCE candidates, were seen moving around.
It has been three weeks since the abduction of pupils and teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community High School, and L.A. Grammar School in Ahoro-Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. While the government and security agencies have assured the public of ongoing efforts to secure the release of the victims, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Chapter, commenced an indefinite strike on Monday, June 1, in solidarity with the abducted pupils and teachers and to press for more decisive action from the authorities.
The strike has effectively grounded academic activities in public primary and secondary schools across the state, with the exception of students participating in the ongoing WASSCE, as observed by AfrikTimes during a field trip conducted across public schools in Ibadan on Friday, June 5.
“Whatever Affects a Particular Teacher Affects All Teachers” — Mr. Olapade
Speaking with AfrikTimes at Ajibode Grammar School, Mr. Olapade Oluwaponmile, a Government teacher and WASSCE invigilator, said the ongoing strike was a show of solidarity with the abducted teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area. He added that teachers in other parts of the state are equally vulnerable to such unfortunate incidents.
“The shutdown of the school is in line with the decision of the NUT as a means of showing solidarity and support for the release of the abducted children and teachers. The lives of these children matter a lot, and teachers have been at the forefront of ensuring that those affected regain their freedom. Whatever affects a particular teacher affects all teachers,” he said.
When asked whether there was a timeline attached to the strike, Mr. Olapade expressed uncertainty, noting that the action could continue if the victims remain in captivity.
“Actually, we do not know yet. From the way things are, it may take some time because teachers are resolute in ensuring that these children and teachers are released. If we do not see any positive outcome, the strike may continue,” he told AfrikTimes.
“We Have Been Leaving School at Odd Hours” — Mrs. Adeyemi
Beyond concerns about the abducted victims, teachers also expressed frustration over delays in the conduct of the ongoing WASSCE, arguing that prolonged examination hours expose both students and staff to security risks.
Also speaking with AfrikTimes, Mrs. Adeyemi, Vice Principal (Administration) at Ajibode Grammar School, said the strike may have indirectly affected examination logistics. She pointed to delays in the distribution of examination materials, which have extended the time teachers and students spend on school premises.
According to her, the situation has become even more challenging because the absence of regular school activities and personnel is being keenly felt.
“Yesterday, we left this school around 7:30 p.m. because of the delay in the distribution of the afternoon paper. We were supposed to finish by 3:00 p.m., but the examination did not start until around 6:30 p.m. If students were fully in school, we might not feel the impact as much. We are not really sure if it is connected to the current situation in the state,” she said.
“Someone Must Sue WAEC” — Mr. Oluwasegun
Corroborating Mrs. Adeyemi’s concerns, Mr. Oluwasegun, a teacher currently invigilating WASSCE at Immanuel Grammar School, Samonda, argued that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) should be held accountable for the persistent delays that have characterised the examination process. He maintained that the situation has inadvertently exposed students and teachers to unnecessary risks.
“My heart bleeds because, till today, I have not seen anybody openly challenge WAEC over these delays. Since the commencement of this WASSCE, WAEC has consistently been behind schedule. As recently as yesterday in Oriire, students were reportedly still writing examinations around 9:00 p.m., yet nobody has questioned it.
“They should remember that students paid for this examination. If they suspect that their questions have been leaked, they should cancel the paper and conduct another one instead of keeping students and teachers in school until late hours,” he lamented.
“The Strike Is Needed and Long Overdue” — Mrs. Tolu
Mrs. Tolu, a teacher and invigilator at Abadina College, described the strike as both necessary and overdue, noting that attacks on educational institutions are unacceptable.
“This strike is needed, although I believe it is coming too late. It should have started earlier. We are all affected, directly or indirectly. This is an educational environment, and something like this should not be happening.
“As you can see, the school is quiet. Only WASSCE activities are ongoing. Every other student is at home, and that is how we want it to be for now. We want the government to rise to this emergency,” she said.
Appeal for Urgent Release
While expressing their concerns, the teachers collectively called on government at all levels to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers. Mr. Olapade noted that the situation requires patience, wisdom, and a strategic approach.
“A lot of saying has been going around that the government is not showing concern, but there may be many things happening behind the scenes that we are unaware of. If they dance to the turn of these kidnappers, it could backfire. This issue requires wisdom, and we need to support the government while giving them the necessary time to act,” he said.
Mrs. Adeyemi, however, urged authorities to act swiftly and improve the operational capacity of security agencies.
“They should work on it. The government knows what to do. They should work on providing security operatives with good weapons to help detect criminal hideouts. Most importantly, they should please bring back these children and teachers,” she appealed.
For many people, three weeks may simply represent another period to pursue business opportunities, earn income, or grow investments. For the abducted children and teachers, however, three weeks represent 21 days of uncertainty: days without the comfort of home, access to proper care, personal freedom, or any assurance of safety.
While classrooms in public schools across Oyo State remain unusually quiet and academic activities suspended, the fate of the abducted pupils and teachers continues to weigh heavily on the minds of their colleagues. The questions of when they would be released or whether this insecurity would stop still lack definite responses.
AfrikTimes was denied interviews at Abadina Grammar School, Oba Akinbiyi Model College, Ore-Meji, Mokola, St. Brigids Grammar School, Mokola, and Sasa Grammar School.
We could not independently verify if WASSCE held till 9:00 pm on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Oriire Local Government Area.
