FCT Schools Shut Down as NUT Declares Indefinite Strike Over Unresolved Welfare Demands
Public primary and secondary schools across Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been left empty as teachers commenced an indefinite strike, disrupting academic activities in several areas.
At LEA Ijayapi Primary School and LEA Byazhin Primary School, checks showed a complete absence of both staff and pupils, following a directive issued by the FCT wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers.
As of about 7:55 a.m. on Monday, classrooms in the affected schools remained under lock and key, with doors and windows firmly shut, reflecting the full compliance with the union’s order.
PulseNets learnt that the Executive Council of the FCT chapter of the NUT had earlier instructed teachers to withdraw their services indefinitely over the government’s inability to address lingering demands.
In a communiqué obtained by PulseNets after an emergency State Wing Executive Council meeting held in Gwagwalada on Friday, the union directed all members to strictly adhere to the strike action.
Teachers were equally advised to await further directives pending the outcome of possible negotiations with authorities, while parents and guardians were urged to keep their children at home during the period of the industrial action.
PulseNets reported that the decision followed a reassessment of the seven-day ultimatum earlier issued to the FCT Minister on March 11, which, according to the union, failed to yield the desired response.
Although the union acknowledged the minister’s effort in implementing the ₦70,000 national minimum wage, it maintained that several critical welfare issues affecting teachers remain unresolved.
Also Read: FCT Strike Ends as Labour, Wike Reach Agreement; Workers Ordered Back to Duty
“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.
