Teachers in government-owned primary schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have commenced an indefinite strike, disrupting education for countless pupils.
The action follows a 14-day ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Chapter, to the six area councils in the territory.
Pupils arriving at school on Wednesday were turned away as teachers directed them to return home. Comrade Ameh Baba, Chairman of the NUT in Kubwa, confirmed the strike, highlighting the unresolved issues driving the decision.
“The strike is a response to the failure of the area councils to settle 60 percent of the owed minimum wage arrears,” Baba explained.
He also criticized the councils for not implementing a 40 percent peculiar allowance and for neglecting promised salary increments of 25 percent and 35 percent.
Baba underscored the importance of primary education, stating, “The primary education sector, being the foundation of human learning, should be treated with the utmost care and priority.”
The union has warned sternly: “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.”
Baba added that the strike will extend its impact to secondary schools, with solidarity expected from their teachers.
He also noted concerns for incoming Junior Secondary School (JSS) students, whose results are due for release.
The indefinite strike highlights growing tensions between the teachers’ union and local authorities over wage and allowance disputes.
