Public school teachers in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have announced plans to embark on an indefinite strike beginning Monday, raising concerns over a looming shutdown of academic activities across Abuja.
The decision, taken by the Nigeria Union of Teachers in the FCT, follows what the union described as prolonged neglect of teachers’ welfare and unresolved issues with authorities.
According to union officials, the strike action will affect all public primary and secondary schools in the territory, leaving thousands of students stranded if no last-minute agreement is reached.
The teachers are reportedly demanding the payment of outstanding salaries, improved working conditions, and the implementation of previously agreed benefits. They also expressed frustration over delays in addressing long-standing grievances despite repeated engagements with the relevant authorities.
Sources within the union say the decision to embark on an indefinite strike was reached after several warnings and ultimatums were ignored, leaving teachers with what they described as “no other option.”
Education stakeholders have warned that the strike could significantly disrupt the academic calendar in the FCT, particularly for students preparing for key examinations.
Parents and guardians have also expressed concern over the development, calling on the government to urgently intervene and prevent a prolonged disruption to learning.
Efforts to get an official response from the FCT administration were ongoing at the time of filing this report.
The impending strike adds to growing tensions within Nigeria’s education sector, where disputes over salaries and welfare continue to trigger industrial actions across various states.
More details are expected as negotiations continue ahead of the Monday deadline.
