Schools deserted as FCT teachers begin indefinite strike

Schools across the Federal Capital Territory are currently deserted as teachers have embarked on an indefinite strike action.

At the LEA Ijayapi Primary School and LEA Byazhin Primary School, teachers and students of the institutions were visibly absent following a recent directive given by the FCT chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers.

While classrooms were locked in these schools as at 7.55 am on Monday, windows and doors remained shut with no sign of activity.

Recall that the Executive Council of the FCT chapter of the NUT had directed all teachers to embark on an indefinite strike action over the failure of the government to meet their demands.

In a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency SWEC meeting which took place in Gwagwalada on Friday, the council instructed all teachers to fully comply with its directive.

The teachers were also informed to await further instructions following possible negotiations with the government while parents and guardians were advised to keep their wards away from school.

According to the union, its decision to embark on the industrial action followed a review of the seven-day ultimatum issued to the Minister of the FCT on March 11.

The union while appreciating the minister for implementing the N70, 000 national minimum wage among other things said several of its demands remained unresolved.

“After exhaustive deliberations on the industrial issues and the silence on the legitimate demands of teachers’ welfare, the Council resolved that all public primary and secondary school teachers in the FCT shall, with effect from Monday, proceed on an indefinite strike until our demands are met,” the union said.