The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has announced plans for a nationwide solidarity protest scheduled for Tuesday, following the abduction of teachers and students from schools in Oyo State.
Speaking to Vanguard on Monday, the National President of the union, Mr. Audu Titus Amba, said the organisation is deeply concerned and is awaiting the safe release of the kidnapped victims.
Amba condemned the situation, describing it as troubling, particularly the alleged use of abducted teachers and students as human shields by terrorists, a development he said is complicating rescue operations.
“I don’t think any Nigerian is happy with the situation on our hands. Seven of my members are currently in captivity. Enough is enough,” he said.
He stressed that insecurity around schools has made teaching and learning increasingly difficult, warning that the education system cannot function effectively in unsafe environments.
“There is no doubt that the security situation in the country has become a serious concern. If the school environment is not safe, how are we going to teach?
How will the children learn? Education is critical, and our schools must be safe for teaching and learning.”
The NUT president noted that rescue efforts have so far not produced the expected results, adding that teachers in Oyo State had already been directed to withdraw their services and commence protests from Monday.
“So far, it appears that no tangible result has come from efforts to rescue the victims. We directed teachers in Oyo State to boycott classes and begin protests from Monday.
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I can also tell you that by Tuesday, teachers across the country will join in a nationwide solidarity protest,” he said.
Amba also urged the government to reinforce security measures in and around schools nationwide to prevent further attacks.
He called on community leaders to take a more active role in safeguarding educational institutions, insisting that security is a shared responsibility.
“We are appealing to community leaders to rise to the challenge of securing our schools. They must not fold their arms when it comes to protecting school environments.
Security is everyone’s responsibility, and we must work together to safeguard our pupils and students,” he added.
He further condemned the alleged use of abducted pupils and students by terrorists as shields, describing it as a dangerous and unacceptable trend.
“We are deeply disturbed by this ugly trend of terrorists using our pupils and students as shields.
It is a very dangerous development. Innocent children must not be used in such a manner,” he said.