The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has appealed to the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing, to call off its indefinite strike which began on Monday over unresolved welfare issues.
Dr. Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, made the appeal during an inspection tour of schools in the territory on Monday.
The NUT had on Friday directed primary and secondary school teachers in the FCT to embark on an indefinite strike from Monday, citing the continued silence of the FCT Administration on their welfare demands amid harsh economic conditions.
Hayyo described the timing of the strike as “psychologically demoralising” for students preparing to begin the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations on Tuesday.
He also expressed concern over reports that union members were reportedly removing students and teachers from classrooms.
“I don’t think it is constitutionally right for the NUT to come and chase students out of the classrooms. How can you expect your sons and daughters to write exams tomorrow when you are chasing them out today? This could lead to mass failure, and WAEC will not reschedule the examinations for FCT students alone,” he said.
He stated that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had renovated over 100 schools and paid 40 per cent of teacher entitlements in 2025.
According to him, most of the union’s current grievances fall under the responsibility of Local Education Authorities and Area Council chairmen, rather than the FCT Administration.
The mandate secretary urged union leaders to return to the negotiation table to avoid worsening the out-of-school children crisis in the territory.
“I am tired of this strike. If we continue to discourage these children now, they will retaliate when they become the leaders of tomorrow. I appeal to the NUT to set aside these interests and prioritise the future of our students,” he said.
It was reported that the NUT had appreciated Minister Nyesom Wike for implementing the N70,000 minimum wage and paying nine months’ arrears to primary school teachers in the FCT. However, the union decried delays in addressing other outstanding demands.
The union noted that the Minister had constituted a committee on July 7, 2025, to harmonise all outstanding entitlements of primary school teachers within two weeks and make recommendations for a lasting solution to recurring industrial disputes.
It added that although the committee submitted its report in August 2025, it has yet to be made public.
According to the union, unresolved issues include the non-implementation of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increments, as well as the 40 per cent peculiar allowance.
