Private Schools in Oyo Shut Down in Solidarity for Abducted Pupils and Teachers
Private schools across Oyo State have shut their doors in a coordinated show of solidarity following the abduction of pupils, students, and teachers. The closure was organized by the Coalition of Private Schools in Oyo State, which also held a special prayer session for the safe return of the victims.
The coalition comprises several associations, including the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Association of Model Islamic Schools (AMIS), Association of Private Academic Schools (APAPS), Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), League of Muslim School Proprietors (LEAMSP), Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria (APSON), Association of Arabic and Islamic Schools (AAIS), and the Joint Christian Education Council (JCEC).
Checks across various private schools in Ibadan revealed that classrooms remained locked, with no academic activities taking place. Sources within the coalition disclosed that notices had been sent to parents, guardians, and other stakeholders informing them of the temporary closure, a move that received widespread support.
The coalition stated that the shutdown was intended not only to demonstrate solidarity with the abducted individuals but also to draw attention to the growing insecurity confronting educational institutions. As part of the activities, members participated in an online prayer session attended by school proprietors, teachers, students, parents, and other stakeholders. Participants offered prayers for the safe release of the victims, peace in Oyo State, and improved security across the country.
It remains unclear whether the closure will extend beyond Friday. Public schools across the state have been shut for about a week following the abduction, with only candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) allowed access to examination halls. The closure of public schools has been accompanied by a series of protests by members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State and beyond. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have also staged demonstrations, demanding the immediate release of the abducted children and their teachers.
