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Oyo teachers strike suspended as NUT orders resumption

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has suspended the strike action by public school teachers in Oyo State, directing members to return to classrooms from Thursday, July 2, 2026. The strike was triggered by the abduction of more than 40 teachers and learners in Oriire Local Government Area, a development that raised serious concerns over school safety across the state. According to a statement jointly signed by Oyo NUT Chairman Hassan Fatai and Secretary Olukayode Salami, the decision followed renewed engagements with the state government and directives from the union’s national leadership. The union said the suspension came after reviewing the security situation and considering assurances from the Oyo State government on efforts to improve safety in schools and secure the release of the abducted victims. Among the commitments made by the government are intensified rescue operations, the deployment of a well-equipped Joint Security Task Force to patrol vulnerable schools and access routes, and improved emergency response systems. Other measures include strengthening the Safe School Initiative, upgrading school infrastructure, improving intelligence gathering, tackling criminal hideouts, and deploying technology to improve school security. The union also disclosed that authorities promised psychosocial support and rehabilitation for rescued victims, alongside continued engagement with affected families. Payment of gratuities and entitlements to families of deceased teachers was also listed among government commitments. NUT commended teachers, the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools and the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria for maintaining discipline and solidarity during the industrial action. While calling on teachers to resume duties, the union urged members to remain vigilant and promptly report security threats within their schools and communities. Seyi Makinde had earlier assured families and residents that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils. More than a month after the kidnapping, the victims remain in captivity, though authorities continue to express confidence in ongoing rescue operations. The report was first published by Channels Television. Tags: Oyo teachers strike, NUT, Oyo school abduction, school security, abducted teachers in Oyo, education crisis Alternative Headlines: 1. NUT Ends Oyo Strike, Teachers Ordered Back to Class 2. Oyo Teachers Resume Work After NUT Suspends Strike ALT TEXT: Oyo teachers protesting over school abduction as NUT suspends strike and orders resumption of classes.

A women use hand fans to fans themselves through intense heat during a heatwave in Evora, Portugal.

Portugal issues red alert as severe heatwave pushes temperatures to 44C

Portugal is bracing for another intense heatwave, with authorities issuing red alerts in several regions as temperatures are expected to climb as high as 44C. According to Channels Television, parts of Portugal, including the Lisbon region, will move to red alert as the country faces worsening heat conditions after initially escaping the worst of Europe’s ongoing heatwave. The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) said Lisbon and Setubal will be placed on red alert on Thursday, with the warning extending to Leiria and Coimbra on Friday. Temperatures in some areas could reach 44C. An orange alert was already in effect on Wednesday across four inland regions, including Evora, where temperatures were forecast to hit 41C. Residents say the unusual heat has arrived earlier than expected. Jose Bonifacio, a busker in Evora, noted that such temperatures are typically experienced in August rather than early July. The intense afternoon heat has emptied streets in the historic city, with many residents and tourists seeking shelter in cafés and shaded areas. Construction worker Carlos Guedes described the conditions as especially difficult for those working outdoors. IPMA warned that the current heatwave’s most significant concern is its expected duration, with extreme temperatures likely to persist for at least a week. Coastal regions may also experience hotter conditions due to reduced sea breeze, while nighttime temperatures are expected to remain unusually high at between 24C and 28C. The Portuguese government has urged residents to follow health advice and has instructed municipalities to prepare cooling shelters for vulnerable people. These may include public buildings, churches, shopping centres and hotels. Secretary of State for Health Ana Povo said the measures are aimed at protecting those most at risk during the prolonged heat. The heatwave comes as Europe continues to experience record-breaking temperatures. Scientists from the World Weather Attribution said the recent European heatwave was the most severe ever recorded and would have been virtually impossible in June without climate change. Temperature records have recently been broken across several European countries, including Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. The United Kingdom and Switzerland also recorded their hottest June temperatures.

Harry Kane celebrates with England teammates after scoring during England’s 2-1 comeback victory over DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 in Atlanta.

Harry Kane brace rescues England against DR Congo in World Cup thriller

Harry Kane delivered when it mattered most, scoring twice to help England overturn an early deficit and beat DR Congo 2-1 in a tense FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash. The dramatic comeback in Atlanta secured England’s place in the last 16, where they will face Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca. According to AFP via Channels Television, England were pushed to the brink of a shocking elimination after DR Congo struck first through Brian Cipenga in the opening stages. Cipenga capitalised on a defensive lapse to fire home a low shot that slipped past Jordan Pickford, silencing the largely England-supporting crowd. The early goal unsettled England, with Jude Bellingham visibly frustrated and booked during a heated first half. Lionel Mpasi also produced a string of impressive saves to deny England repeatedly before the break. DR Congo nearly doubled their lead before half-time, but Yoane Wissa struck the outside of the post from close range. England manager Thomas Tuchel responded in the second half with attacking substitutions, introducing Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze to spark a comeback. The changes paid off in the 75th minute when Gordon delivered a pinpoint cross for Kane, who powered in a header to level the score. Kane completed the turnaround in the 86th minute, latching onto another Gordon assist before smashing a powerful effort into the roof of the net. The brace took Kane’s World Cup tally to 13 goals and five in the 2026 tournament, strengthening his push for the Golden Boot. While England advanced, their performance raised concerns ahead of a much tougher test against Mexico in the last 16. For DR Congo, the defeat brought an emotional end to a remarkable World Cup journey. The Leopards exceeded expectations on their first appearance at the tournament in 52 years, producing one of the competition’s most memorable underdog stories.

Security personnel at the entrance of the Federal Capital Territory Administration headquarters in Abuja as FCTA begins promotion exercise for civil servants.

Over 13,000 FCTA Civil Servants begin 10-day promotion exercise

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced its promotion exercise for more than 13,000 civil servants across the FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). The 10-day exercise, which began on Wednesday, will involve eligible officers across 150 cadres and grade levels as part of efforts to strengthen career progression within the FCT civil service. According to Channels Television, Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Emeka Ezeh, said the exercise was approved by Nyesom Wike. Ezeh said the promotion exercise aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is designed to ensure eligible officers are given opportunities for career advancement. He disclosed that Wike also directed the commission to ensure the 2026 promotion exercise is completed before the end of the year to prevent delays and improve staff progression. According to him, the minister instructed the commission to work closely with relevant agencies within the FCTA to ensure a smooth process and avoid challenges experienced during previous exercises. Ezeh assured candidates that adequate arrangements had been made for a seamless exercise and urged participants to remain patient throughout the Computer-Based Test (CBT) process. The commission noted that it became the first civil service commission in Nigeria to conduct promotion examinations using CBT in 2024, just six months after its inauguration in March of that year. The latest exercise is expected to further reinforce efforts to modernise the FCT civil service promotion system and improve administrative efficiency.