Teachers in government-run primary schools throughout the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have initiated an indefinite strike, causing a disruption in the education of numerous students.
The strike comes after the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Chapter, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the six area councils in the territory.
On Wednesday, pupils who arrived at school were sent back home by teachers, as Comrade Ameh Baba, the NUT Chairman in Kubwa, verified the strike and emphasized the lingering concerns that led to this action.
Baba explained, “The strike is a response to the failure of the area councils to settle 60 percent of the owed minimum wage arrears.”
He also condemned the councils for failing to enforce a 40 percent specific allowance and for disregarding pledged salary hikes 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 cautioned, “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 mentioned that the strike will have repercussions on secondary schools as well, with an anticipation of support from their teachers.
He also expressed worries about the forthcoming release of results for Junior Secondary School (JSS) students.
The indefinite strike underscores escalating tensions between the teachers’ union and local administrations regarding salary and allowance disagreements.
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