The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, marked the 2026 World Teachers’ Day by dedicating the celebration to the schoolchildren and teachers abducted during a tragic incident in Oriire Local Government Area. The event took place on Monday at the Islamic High School Multipurpose Hall in Ibadan North, reflecting a somber mood as the community remembered the victims of the May 15 attack.

During the ceremony, NUT Chairman Hassan Fatai expressed mixed emotions, emphasizing the sacrifices made by the affected teachers and students. He described the victims as “heroes and heroines of the teachers and education struggle in the state,” acknowledging their courage in the face of adversity. The abduction, which occurred at multiple schools including Baptist Nursery and Primary School and Community Grammar School, saw over 40 individuals taken hostage. They were ultimately rescued on June 10, 2026, after spending 56 days in captivity.

The theme for this year’s celebration, “Standing With Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping our Futures,” brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including education administrators, government officials, and labor leaders. Fatai took the opportunity to commend the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde and other officials in the rescue operations, while also calling for continued support for teachers and improved working conditions.

Fatai outlined several demands on behalf of the teaching community, which included the full implementation of the Safe School Programme, the integration of 135 teachers into the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) employment structure, and the prompt release of grants to school heads. He also urged the government to prioritize the payment of outstanding leave allowances from 2025.

In his remarks, Nureni Adeniran, the state Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Board, highlighted the critical role teachers play in transforming education. He noted that the celebration coincided with the 60th anniversary of the ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, stressing that support for educators must extend beyond ceremonial appreciation to encompass professional development and decent working conditions.

A significant highlight of the event was the presentation of the Heroes and Heroines of Teachers Award to educators who displayed exceptional dedication during the Oriire school attack. Awardees included Racheal Alamu, Principal of Community High School, and Ojo Adebayo, Vice Principal of the same institution, among others.

The NUT’s dedication of this year’s World Teachers’ Day to the victims of the abduction serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by educators and students in Oyo State, underscoring the need for ongoing support and protection within the educational sector.