FCT Teachers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Unmet Demands

FCT teachers begin indefinite strike over unmet demands

Government school teachers in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commenced an indefinite strike following unresolved demands presented to the Federal Government.

The industrial action, which began on Monday, has led to the shutdown of public primary and secondary schools across the territory, leaving classrooms empty and academic activities suspended. Visits to several schools across Abuja showed deserted premises, with no teachers or students present. Institutions such as LEA Primary School in Garki and Government Science Technical College recorded full compliance with the strike directive, as classrooms remained locked and learning halted. Parents have also been advised to keep their children at home until further notice, as the duration of the strike remains uncertain.

The strike follows a communiqué issued on Friday by the FCT Wing Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), directing all public school teachers in the territory to withdraw their services indefinitely. The decision was reached after an emergency meeting of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC), where union leaders reviewed the status of earlier negotiations with authorities.According to the union, the strike became necessary after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on March 11, which lapsed on March 29 without a satisfactory response. Officials say the government’s continued silence on teachers’ welfare concerns despite worsening economic conditions forced the union to take decisive action.

• Immediate release and implementation of a 2025 committee report on teachers’ entitlements
• Payment of outstanding allowances and benefits
• Removal of “vacancy” conditions tied to promotions
• Comprehensive review of the 2024 promotion exercise

The union noted that although some progress has been made such as the implementation of a ₦70,000 minimum wage and payment of arrears several critical issues remain unresolved. With the strike now underway, thousands of students across the FCT face disruptions to their academic calendar. Education stakeholders warn that prolonged industrial action could further strain Nigeria’s already challenged public education system. For now, the NUT insists that teachers will remain off duty until their demands are fully addressed, signaling that the standoff between educators and authorities may persiste While no official response has yet been announced by the FCT Administration, pressure is mounting on government officials to engage with the union and resolve the dispute. Until then, public schools in Abuja are expected to remain closed indefinitely.