The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, has demanded improved security and welfare for teachers across the state.

The demand came, just as it honoured victims of the Oriire Local Government school attack as heroes and heroines of the profession.

The NUT State Chairman, Fatai Hassan, stated this on Monday in Ibadan during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration with the theme: “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping our Future.”

Hassan said that the theme was dedicated to teachers and learners, who fell victim to the May 15, 2026 attack in Oriire LGA.

He disclosed that the union conferred Heroes and Heroines Awards on survivors, extended support to families of slain colleagues, and identified with affected learners.

The NUT chairman commended Governor Seyi Makinde for refusing to negotiate with terrorists and for giving maximum support in deploying security and intelligence that led to the rescue of the victims.

He also lauded the Chairmen of SUBEB and TESCOM for their roles in securing the victims’ release.

Hassan, however, listed teachers’ demands to include: full implementation of the Safe School Programme, the integration of 135 teachers into TESCOM, and approval of inter-local government transfer for 2005 appointees who have served over 20 years in rural areas.

Other demands included leniency in career progression for HND with PGDE holders, prompt payment of grants to school heads, and payment of primary school teachers’ leave allowances.

In his remarks, SUBEB Chairman, Dr. Nureni Adeniran, said that standing with teachers goes beyond celebration and requires investment in training, welfare and working conditions.

He said that the Makinde administration has improved teachers’ welfare by extending their career progression to level 17, clearing salary arrears and paying 13th-month salaries.

The Guest lecturer, Prof. Solihu Adelabu, Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, called for a state of emergency in teacher education and welfare to address the shortage and poor status of teachers.

Delivering Governor Seyi Makinde’s goodwill message, Adelabu quoted the governor as saying that there must be societal respect for teachers.

He noted that teaching remains a noble profession like medicine, law or engineering, which should not be seen as a last resort.

He charged the teachers in the state to embrace lifelong learning by making training and retraining a top priority.