By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Children from low-income families are staying home as the indefinite strike by teachers in government-owned primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) enters its third week.
The teachers initiated the strike over two weeks ago to protest the non-payment of 60% of owed arrears by the Area Councils. This follows a 14-day ultimatum issued by the FCT chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to the six area councils in the territory.
Previously, the NUT had staged an indefinite strike on January 15, 2024, after suspending another strike in November 2023. That earlier strike demanded the implementation of a 40% peculiar allowance and payment of 25 months of minimum wage arrears, among other dues.
On January 30, 2024, Secretary of the Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, announced that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had intervened. It was revealed that the FCT Administration would pay 40% of the total 25 months’ minimum wage arrears, while the area councils would cover the remaining 60%.
However, the FCT-NUT Wing has since directed all primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory to resume their suspended strike action, effective September 18, 2024.
According to Abdullahi Shafa, state chairman of the NUT wing, the teachers decided to strike again after the council chairmen failed to pay the 60% of the 25 months’ minimum wage arrears owed to them.
“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 council chairmen’s non-responsiveness to our demands,” Shafa stated.
The NUT is also demanding an increase in salaries and the payment of 40% of peculiar allowances owed by the councils.
“The union is seeking the payment of the remaining 60% of the 25 months’ minimum wage arrears owed to primary school teachers. We also demand the implementation and payment of arrears for the 25% and 35% salary increases and the 40% peculiar allowance,” he added.
The strike will continue until the council chairmen meet all union 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,” stated Margaret Jethro, State Secretary of the NUT FCT Wing.
Pupils who arrived at school on Wednesday were sent home disappointed as teachers directed them to leave upon reaching the school gate.
Efforts to contact the Mandate Secretary of the Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, were unsuccessful at the time of 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 expressed frustration, blaming the FCT administration led by Minister Nyesom Wike and President Bola Tinubu for ignoring the plight of pupils and parents of government schools, which cater to less privileged Nigerians.
