Public school students in Osogbo, Osun State, were dismissed on Tuesday in response to the nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Reports state that it noted the presence of students from various public primary and secondary schools on the roads, making their way home.
At CAC Grammar School, Gbodofon, Osogbo, the school gate was left wide open as students exited the premises, and some teachers were observed gathered under a tree engaging in discussions.
Likewise, certain banks in Osogbo declined to welcome customers, with some expressing hesitancy about opening, and a few did operate for business transactions.
At the state secretariat in Abere, many offices were empty, and only a small number of employees were observed entering and moving around within the complex.
An anonymous staffer from the secretariat, speaking to newsmen, mentioned that the strike had not yet fully taken effect. They added that if it were similar to past nationwide strikes, the entrance to the secretariat would have been closed, with members of the NLC and other labor unions blocking the gates.
Security personnel were observed positioned at the entrance of the secretariat, as well as at various strategic locations in Osogbo.
Mrs. Modupeola Oyedele, the Acting Chairperson of the NLC in Osun State, informed NAN that the strike is in accordance with the directives from the national headquarters of both the NLC and TUC.
Oyedele mentioned that the directive to their members was to refrain from work, and there would be no participation in any form of street protest.
“We are not doing street protest with the strike. The instruction is for workers to abstain from work and we are complying.”
“Public schools have sent back their students in compliance with the strike.”
“Many send their student back this morning because the strike directive came late last night, so that is why students were turned back after getting to school.”
“We are ensuring that there is compliance as our officials are at the state secretariat to ensure workers do not resume in their offices,” she said
Reports state that the labour unions on Monday evening directed their members and affiliates to withdraw their services starting from Tuesday (today), a move the government terms illegal.