Primary school teachers in government-owned schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have embarked on an indefinite strike, leaving thousands of pupils without instruction as classrooms were shut down. The strike action follows a 14-day ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Chapter, to the six area councils in the region, demanding immediate resolution of unpaid wages and other entitlements.
On Wednesday, pupils arriving at their schools were met with locked gates and were sent back home, marking the start of what could become a prolonged disruption in the educational sector. Comrade Ameh Baba, the Chairman of the NUT in Kubwa, confirmed the strike and emphasized the ongoing grievances that forced teachers to take such a drastic step.
“This strike is a direct response to the failure of the area councils to pay 60 percent of the outstanding minimum wage arrears,” Baba explained. He further criticized the authorities for neglecting other key issues, including the non-payment of a 40 percent peculiar allowance and failure to implement the agreed-upon salary increments of 25 and 35 percent.
Baba underscored the importance of primary education as the foundation of a child’s learning journey, stressing that it should be given top priority by the government. “Primary education is the cornerstone of human learning, and it must be treated with the highest level of care and priority. If we don’t invest in our primary schools, we are compromising the future of our children and the nation,” he stated.
The teachers’ union is not backing down. Baba issued a stern warning to local authorities, saying, “This strike is just the beginning. If the government fails to respond within the next seven days, we will escalate the situation by picketing the area councils’ secretariats.” He added that the strike would soon extend its reach to secondary schools, as teachers in those institutions are expected to join in solidarity if the demands are not met.
One of the immediate concerns stemming from the strike is the potential impact on incoming Junior Secondary School (JSS) students. Baba noted that their results, which are due for release soon, could be delayed, further compounding the challenges facing the educational system in the FCT.
Parents, who were caught off-guard by the strike, have expressed frustration over the disruption. Some worry about the long-term effect of the indefinite closure on their children’s education. A concerned mother, Mrs. Adama Musa, said, “My child was preparing for exams, and now we don’t even know when school will resume. This is a big setback.”
The strike also highlights the broader issue of teacher welfare across Nigeria. Educators in many states have long complained of poor working conditions, irregular payment of salaries, and a general lack of support from the government. For the teachers in the FCT, the current crisis is not just about wages and allowances but also about dignity and respect for the teaching profession.
“Our teachers are not asking for luxury; they are asking for what they are rightfully owed. It is shameful that those who are responsible for shaping the future of our nation are treated with such disregard,” Baba remarked.
While the area councils have yet to issue an official response, there is growing concern that the strike could escalate further if the demands are not addressed swiftly. With pupils out of school and teachers refusing to return to the classroom, the FCT’s educational system faces uncertainty in the coming days.
