The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has vowed that no teacher will resume duties at Areago Community High School in Ogbomoso until their safety is assured.
The announcement was made by the NUT Chairman for Ogbomoso North Local Government Area, Mr. Tunde Oladapo, following a recent attack on teachers at the school.
In an interview with newsmen, Oladapo expressed concerns over the safety of the school staff after a violent incident occurred on Thursday, involving a clash between some residents of the community and students. During the altercation, the vice principal, two teachers, and the school’s day guard were arrested, although they were released by police from the Owode Police Station in Ogbomoso the following day. Two women, who were reportedly involved in inciting the disturbance, were also arrested and later released.
Reports revealed that members of the community who had assaulted the teachers were arrested on Friday evening.
Oladapo, speaking to newsmen made it clear that teachers would not return to the school until the safety concerns are addressed. He confirmed that, as a precautionary measure, all teachers will report to the TESCOM office starting Monday, rather than resuming at the school.
“We cannot afford to jeopardize the safety of our teachers,” Oladapo stated. “The teachers will not resume at the school until their safety is guaranteed. We will not take any chances. If they could be attacked twice in one day, we do not know what could happen on Monday. Until the situation is fully resolved, they will report to TESCOM.”
The NUT leader also expressed his surprise that the violent incident occurred while NUT representatives and other stakeholders were present at the police station to secure the release of the vice principal and other staff.
The NUT has emphasized that the safety of teachers is their primary concern and has called for immediate steps to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
