By Paul Joseph
Members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Kubwa Branch, on Monday forcefully enforced an indefinite strike at the Junior Secondary School, Kubwa, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sending students and teachers out of classrooms as public schools across the territory shut down academic activities.
The enforcement on Monday followed the directive of the Nigeria Union of Teachers FCT State Wing Executive Council, which had earlier ordered an indefinite strike over unresolved welfare and salary-related issues affecting teachers in the territory.
At the school premises, union members reportedly chased out students and staff, insisting that no academic activity would be allowed until the government addresses their demands.
Speaking during the enforcement exercise, the Chairman of NUT Kubwa Branch, Mr. Amed Baba, said the strike was triggered by long-standing grievances that have persisted for over three and a half years, describing them as issues inherited from previous administrations.
He explained that the dispute stems largely from the implementation of a 40 percent peculiar allowance introduced at the twilight of a past administration to address poor teacher remuneration in the FCT.
According to him, while the allowance was implemented for junior and senior secondary school teachers within five months, primary school teachers were excluded on the grounds that they fall under area council administration, which was said to be responsible for their payments.
Baba alleged that despite earlier denials by some area council officials, there has recently been a reversal of position acknowledging that primary school teachers are entitled to the allowance.
He insisted that the union has documentation from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission supporting their claims.
The NUT chairman further stated that the accumulated arrears from the allowance now stand at about 42 months, alongside other outstanding entitlements including wage awards of ₦35,000 and ₦25,000.
He also raised concerns over the promotion policy for teachers, alleging inconsistencies in its implementation. Baba said that although promotion examinations were conducted in 2024, the authorities are now insisting that promotions will depend on available vacancies.
“Even if you write promotion exams, they are saying you may not be promoted if there is no vacancy. Then why conduct the exams in the first place?” he questioned.
He accused the FCT administration of neglecting repeated engagements with the union, saying the government appears to be politicising education and failing to prioritise teachers’ welfare.
Baba added that academic activities have been completely disrupted across public schools in the FCT, warning that the strike would continue until all demands are met.
Meanwhile, the State Wing Executive Council of the NUT FCT had earlier declared the indefinite strike in a communique signed by its leadership, stating that the action followed the government’s alleged failure to address long-standing welfare concerns affecting teachers in the territory.
As the strike takes effect, uncertainty looms over academic activities in public primary and secondary schools across the FCT.
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