IBADAN — The Nigeria Union of Teachers has suspended its industrial action in Oyo State and directed teachers in public primary and secondary schools to return to their classrooms. The decision followed renewed engagement with the state government and assurances on measures to improve security after the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area. The strike had been declared after teachers and learners were abducted from schools in the area. The union said the withdrawal of services was intended to draw attention to the security situation and pressure authorities to take stronger steps to protect schools. Following discussions with the government and other stakeholders, the union's national leadership reviewed the situation and approved the suspension. Teachers were directed to resume duties from Thursday, July 2. The decision allows academic activities to restart in affected public schools after weeks of disruption. School security has become an increasingly important issue in Nigeria because attacks and abductions can discourage parents from sending their children to school. Teachers may also be unwilling to work in locations where they believe their safety cannot be guaranteed. The Oyo dispute therefore highlights the connection between security and access to education. When schools close, students lose valuable learning time. Teachers may also struggle to complete planned curricula and prepare students for examinations. The state government now faces the task of ensuring that the assurances given to the union translate into practical security measures. Restoring confidence among teachers and parents will be important for maintaining attendance. The Federal Ministry of Education welcomed the suspension, describing the resolution as a positive development for uninterrupted learning. Dialogue between government and organised labour can help resolve disputes without prolonged disruption. However, the underlying security concerns remain important. Resumption alone does not eliminate the risks that prompted the strike. Schools need appropriate security arrangements and clear emergency procedures. Communities can also contribute by reporting suspicious activity and working with security agencies. Parents and school authorities need reliable information about safety conditions before normal attendance can fully recover. The episode also demonstrates the wider cost of insecurity. Beyond the immediate risk to victims, school closures can affect learning outcomes and household livelihoods. Parents may have to keep children at home or make alternative arrangements, while teachers lose valuable teaching time. Education authorities therefore need to treat school security as part of education planning. The suspension of the strike provides an opportunity for the government and the union to continue monitoring the situation. If security conditions improve, schools can recover lost instructional time. If new incidents occur, confidence could deteriorate again. The priority for all parties is to protect teachers and learners while ensuring that education continues. The Oyo experience is another reminder that the safety of schools is essential to the success of education policies. Investment in classrooms and teachers cannot produce the desired results if students and educators cannot safely attend school.