The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Secretariat has urged the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to immediately suspend its ongoing strike, warning that the action could negatively impact students set to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASCE).

Mandate Secretary for Education, Danlami Hayyo, raised the concern during a school inspection, where he reacted to reports that striking union members were forcing students and teachers out of classrooms.

“I was initially impressed by the high turnout of both students and teachers ready for learning. However, the NUT has chased pupils out of some schools. I do not believe it is constitutionally right for a union to forcefully eject students who are eager to learn,” Hayyo said.

He expressed worry over the psychological toll such disruptions could have on candidates preparing for the nationwide examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), noting that the exam body would not adjust its timetable to accommodate affected students in the FCT.

Hayyo questioned the timing of the strike and the union’s commitment to students’ welfare, warning that continued disruption could result in widespread poor performance.

Defending the administration’s efforts, he stated that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had paid 40 percent of teachers’ entitlements last year, adding that many of the unresolved issues were tied to the Local Education Authority (LEA) and Area Council Chairmen rather than the central FCT Administration.

He called on the union to return to negotiations instead of escalating tensions, stressing that prolonged industrial action risks destabilizing the education system.

“I am tired of this cycle of strikes. For effective learning and quality education, industrial action is not the best path. If we continue to discourage these children now, they may retaliate when they become the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.

Hayyo also warned that the strike could undermine ongoing efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children, urging all parties to prioritize dialogue in the interest of students.