By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
There are appears to be an increased sympathies across board as children from poor parental background remained at homes, after the commencement of indefinite strike action embarked upon by teachers of government- owned primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.
Teachers in government-owned schools in the FCT, had commenced an indefinite strike over two weeks ago to protest the non-payment of 60 per cent of owed arrears by the Area Councils,
This action follows a 14-day ultimatum issued earlier by the FCT Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers to the six area councils in the territory.
The union had previously embarked on an indefinite strike on 15 January 2024, after suspending another strike in November 2023. The previous strike was to demand the implementation of a 40% peculiar allowance and payment of 25 months of minimum wage arrears, among other dues.
Following the previous strike’s mandate, the Secretary of the Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, announced on 30 January 2024 that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had intervened.
It was announced that the FCT Administration would pay 40% of the total 25 months’ minimum wage arrears to primary school teachers, while the area councils would pay the remaining 60%.
However, the FCT-NUT Wing directed all primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory to resume their suspended strike action, effective 18 September 2024.
According to Abdullahi Shafa, state chairman of the wing, the teachers resolved to resume the strike after the council chairmen failed to pay 60% of the 25 months’ minimum wage arrears owed to them.
Shafa stated that the NUT is also demanding an increase in salaries and payment of 40% of peculiar allowances, which the councils still owe.
“The State Wing Executive Council deliberated extensively on the issues affecting teachers in the FCT and resolved to resume the suspended strike action due to the non-response of the council chairmen to our demands.”
“The union is demanding the payment of the remaining 60% of the 25 months’ minimum wage arrears owed to primary school teachers. We are also seeking the implementation and payment of arrears for the 25% and 35% salary increases and the 40% Peculiar Allowance.”
“The union is also calling for the payment of arrears for the N35,000 Wage Award and the correct and continuous implementation of the template on outstanding entitlements
of teachers, as agreed upon in 2022,” he added.
The strike will continue until the council chairmen meet each of the union’s demands. Parents have been advised to keep their children at home until further notice.
“We appeal to all teachers to remain calm and disregard any counter directives except as issued by the Union,” Margaret Jethro, State Secretary of the NUT FCT Wing, declared.
Pupils who went to school on Wednesday returned home disappointed, as teachers directed them to leave upon arriving at the school gate.
Efforts to reach the Mandate Secretary of the Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
The Area Council Chairmen of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Christopher Maikalangu, and Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya, were also unresponsive.
Some parents who spoke to our correspondent blames the FCT administration led by the minister Eyesom Wike and President Bola Tinubu for their ignominious to the plight of pupils and parents of government schools adjudged for the less privileged Nigerians.
