Abuja Teachers Commence Indefinite Strike, Disrupting Public Schools
Teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have initiated an indefinite strike, effective immediately, following directives from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). This industrial action raises significant concerns about disruptions to public primary and secondary education across Abuja, impacting thousands of students and their families.
Union Directive and Emergency Meeting
The State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) of the NUT issued the strike directive after an emergency meeting held in Gwagwalada, Abuja, on Friday. A communiqué, jointly signed by State Chairman Abdullahi Shafa, State Secretary Margaret Jethro, and State Publicity Secretary Ibukun Adekeye, mandates all teachers to fully comply with the strike and await further instructions. Parents and guardians have been advised to keep their children at home until further notice to ensure safety during this period.
Background and Unresolved Demands
The strike decision comes after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCT Administration led by Minister Nyesom Wike on March 11, which lapsed on March 29, followed by an additional 28-day grace period. While the union acknowledges the Minister's efforts in implementing the ₦70,000 minimum wage and settling nine months of salary arrears for primary school teachers, it highlights ongoing unresolved welfare issues.
A committee established on July 7, 2025, to harmonise outstanding entitlements within two weeks has failed to deliver its report or achieve tangible outcomes. Key demands include the removal of the "vacancies" condition tied to teacher promotions and a comprehensive review of the 2024 promotion exercise conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission to ensure fair advancement for eligible educators.
Union Dissatisfaction and Impact
SWEC members expressed frustration over what they describe as continued silence from authorities despite repeated engagements and deadlines. The communiqué states, "Following exhaustive deliberations and the lack of response to our legitimate demands, the Council has resolved that all public primary and secondary school teachers in the FCT shall proceed on an indefinite strike from Monday until all issues are addressed." This development is expected to severely disrupt academic activities, leaving numerous students out of classrooms indefinitely.
