The indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State has continued to raise concerns among parents and education stakeholders over its impact on pupils and students.
Parents and teachers who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Wednesday said the prolonged closure of public schools has left many children idle, exposed to negative influences, and disrupted academic activities.
The strike began on June 1, when the NUT directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in the state to withdraw their services in protest over the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.
A teacher, Mrs Yemisi Alao, expressed concern over what she described as poor parental supervision during the period, saying many children are being left unattended while parents go about their daily activities.
She said the situation was worsening discipline among pupils and increasing the risk of negative influence.
“The children are not well monitored, and some of those placed under apprenticeship are also not serious about learning the trade,” she said.
Alao added that the disruption had come at a critical time in the academic calendar, warning that schools may struggle to catch up once academic activities resume.
She called for greater community involvement in mentoring children and engaging them in productive activities such as reading and sports.
In Mokola, Ibadan, a parent, Mr Godwin Obinna, said the strike had forced many children into street activities, including hawking and roaming during the day.
He said his own children were worried about the prolonged closure of schools and urged the government to urgently address the situation.
“This whole situation is unfair,” he said, while calling for improved security in schools.
Another parent, Mrs Bolajoko Yusuf, said children in her neighbourhood had turned to football and other leisure activities, but noted that residents were collectively monitoring their safety.
Similarly, Mrs Adeola Aina, a resident of the Nalende area, said she had enrolled her children in tailoring apprenticeships to keep them occupied, though she expressed concern for younger children who could not be similarly engaged.
She said children aged between three and seven were particularly vulnerable during the school closure.
In the Total Garden area, Mrs Tunrayo Adeyemo said her children now spend most of their time at home after completing household chores.
While expressing disappointment over the prolonged strike, she said residents could only hope for a quick resolution, particularly with efforts ongoing to secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers.
The strike, which has paralysed academic activities in public schools across the state, continues to spark calls for urgent intervention from the government to restore normalcy and strengthen school security.
