The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has appealed to the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing, to suspend its ongoing indefinite strike, warning of serious consequences for students preparing to sit for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams.
The Mandate Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, Danlami Hayyo, made the appeal during an inspection tour of schools across the territory, expressing concern over the disruption caused by the industrial action, which began on Monday.
The NUT had directed primary and secondary school teachers to embark on the strike over unresolved welfare issues, citing the administration’s silence on their demands amid worsening economic conditions.
Reacting, Hayyo described the timing of the strike as “psychologically demoralising,” particularly for students scheduled to begin their examinations. He also condemned reports that union members were forcibly 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?” he said.
He warned that continued disruption could lead to mass failure, stressing that WAEC would not adjust its timetable to accommodate only FCT students.
Hayyo defended the administration’s efforts, noting that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had renovated over 100 schools and paid 40 percent of teachers’ entitlements in 2025. He added that most of the outstanding issues raised by the union fall under the responsibility of Local Education Authorities and Area Council Chairmen, rather than the FCTA.
He urged union leaders to return to negotiations, warning that prolonged strikes could worsen 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 prioritise the future of our students,” he said.
While acknowledging some progress, the NUT had earlier commended the minister for implementing the N70,000 minimum wage and paying nine months’ salary arrears to primary school teachers. However, the union maintained that several key demands remain unresolved.
Among these are the non-implementation of 25 percent and 35 percent salary increases, as well as a 40 percent peculiar allowance. The union also pointed to the delay in releasing the report of a committee set up in July 2025 to harmonise outstanding entitlements and propose lasting solutions to recurring disputes.
With both sides holding firm, concerns continue to grow over the impact of the strike on students and the broader education system in the FCT.