Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has appealed to the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to call off its ongoing strike and reopen public schools across the state. The strike was triggered by the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.
Drivetvnews gathered that the governor assured residents that security agencies and the state government are intensifying efforts to secure the safe release of the victims and restore normalcy.
The appeal followed a State Executive Council meeting, where members expressed concern over the wider social and economic impact of the school closure despite acknowledging the reasons behind the union’s action.
During the meeting, the council approved an initial release of ₦8.77 billion for the procurement of teaching and learning materials for primary and junior secondary schools. The overall project is valued at more than ₦23 billion.
According to the government, the materials will include textbooks for literacy, numeracy, mathematics, English language and basic science, in line with programmes supported by the Universal Basic Education Commission and the World Bank.
Officials noted that successful implementation of the project could qualify the state for performance-based funding under an international education support initiative, with financial rewards tied to student learning outcomes.
The council also approved a supplementary budget, increasing the state’s 2026 budget from about ₦892 billion to ₦1.1 trillion. The adjustment is aimed at ensuring the completion of key infrastructure and development projects before the end of the current administration.
In addition, the government approved the payment of $250,000 to support Oyo State’s participation in African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) programmes. The move is expected to strengthen the state’s ability to attract investments and expand opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and export-oriented businesses.
The council further approved ₦5.91 billion for the implementation of the 2026 Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) programme. The initiative focuses on health insurance, food security and other welfare measures designed to cushion the effects of economic hardship on residents.
Government officials stated that the continuation of the programme remains necessary due to the ongoing economic challenges facing many households across the state.
