Edo State Government agents on Monday morning broke locks into some Public Primary schools and ushered stranded pupils into Classrooms for resumption of the Second term academic activities, February 1, 2021.

Some of the Public schools reportedly visited by the officials include: Ogbe Primary School, off Airport road, Ebenezer, Emokpae, Agbado primary schools in Oredo Local Government Area.

Others are Asoro Primary School, Emotan Primary School on Dawson amongst others.

Recall that Public Primary School teachers under the aegis of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Edo State Chapter embarked on indefinite strike action January 18, 2021 over unpaid entitlements and other issues of concern.

The leadership of the Union had also directed members to ignore the government threat of “no work, no pay” order if they fail to resume work on February 1, 2021.

A visit to some of the schools, reveals that the government agents and officials from the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), ensured that there was the rights of few teachers and pupils who turned up for resumption is not violated in the line of duty.

Investigation revealed that some Staff of Local Government Education Authority and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) were deployed by the government to teach pupils who presented themselves for academic activities.

Similarly, Governor Godwin Obaseki has urged teachers to, in the interest of the progress of the State and the need to preserve the future of Edo Children, to return to the classroom.

Obaseki noted that his administration will continue to prioritize the welfare of teachers in the State,

He disclosed this in a live broadcast said that his administration is prepared to and will do more for teachers in spite of any provocation.

He expressed worry that “some elements within the Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) have been sowing seeds of discord to cause disharmony and strife within the ranks of the teachers”.

The Governor “condemned the ill-intentioned strike action”, assuring that adequate arrangements with relevant security agencies have been made to secure and protect the teachers and Classrooms as well as school properties.

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