Teachers across Akwa Ibom State are set to withdraw classroom services on Tuesday as part of a nationwide solidarity action following the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo State.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Akwa Ibom State Wing, announced the decision in a letter addressed to the State Commissioner for Education, stating that all primary and post-primary schools across the state will remain closed to enable teachers participate in a peaceful protest rally.
According to the union, the rally will commence from the Teachers’ House located along IBB Avenue, Uyo, and proceed to the Akwa Ibom State Government House.
“The rally will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, and will commence from the Teachers’ House, 14 IBB Avenue, Uyo, and terminate at the Governor’s Office. Hence, all primary and post-primary schools in the state will remain closed,” the letter stated.
The correspondence was signed by Udeme Ebe, Principal Assistant Secretary, on behalf of the Senior Assistant Secretary-General of the union.
The action follows the abduction of teachers and pupils from Baptist Nursery and Primary Schools in Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, on May 15, 2026.
According to the NUT, reports indicate that some of the victims have been killed, while others remain in captivity.
The union appealed to the Ministry of Education to support the protest, describing it as a necessary response to the continued ordeal of the abducted teachers and schoolchildren.
In a circular dated May 29 and distributed to all state branches, the national leadership of the NUT described the situation as deeply troubling and expressed concern that the victims remained in captivity despite repeated appeals to government authorities and security agencies.
“We also hear the cry of the School Principal and a teacher passionately appealing to the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, NUT, ANCOPSS and all well-meaning Nigerians to urgently intervene and secure their release,” the circular stated.
The union directed all primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services from June 1 until the victims regain their freedom.
Additionally, all state chapters were instructed to organise solidarity rallies and submit formal demands to their respective state governments, calling for urgent action to improve security in schools.
The union explained that the rallies are expected to culminate at state government houses, where union leaders will address the media and advocate stronger measures to protect teachers and learners.
The NUT said the latest action reflects growing concern among educators over recurring attacks on schools and the increasing threats to the safety of both teachers and students across the country.
The union also recalled a similar nationwide protest in 2014 following the abduction of schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, in Borno State.
“The Union stands in solidarity with the victims and their families and remains committed to pursuing every lawful means to ensure their safe return,” the circular added.
Education stakeholders have continued to call for enhanced security around schools, warning that persistent attacks on educational institutions could undermine learning, discourage school attendance, and threaten the future of education in affected communities.
