Primary and secondary school teachers in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory are preparing to embark on an indefinite strike starting Monday, citing unresolved welfare issues and delayed government action.
The decision was taken by the Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) after an emergency meeting of its executive council. The union said the strike became necessary following what it described as prolonged neglect of its demands by authorities.
Union leaders expressed frustration over the failure to implement recommendations from a committee set up in 2025 to address teachers’ concerns. That committee was expected to review and harmonise outstanding entitlements and propose lasting solutions to recurring disputes in the sector. Although the panel completed its work and submitted a report in August 2025, the findings have not been made public or acted upon.
Highlighting the situation, the union stated: “The minister constituted a committee on July 7, 2025, with a mandate to, within two weeks, harmonise all outstanding entitlements of primary school teachers.” It added that “the committee concluded its assignment and submitted its report in August 2025; however, the report is yet to be made public.”
The teachers also raised concerns about career progression. They criticised the requirement that promotions depend on the availability of vacancies, arguing that it unfairly delays advancement for qualified staff. As part of their demands, they called for a full review of the 2024 promotion exercise conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission to ensure eligible teachers are promoted without unnecessary restrictions.
According to the union, the continued silence from authorities despite earlier engagements has left teachers with no choice but to withdraw their services. The strike follows previous industrial actions, including a prolonged stoppage that was suspended after government assurances that issues would be addressed.
Reaffirming their position, the union declared: “After exhaustive deliberations on the industrial issues and the silence on the legitimate demands of teachers’ welfare, the council resolved that all public primary and secondary school teachers in the FCT shall, with effect from Monday, proceed on an indefinite strike until our demands are met.”
The planned strike is expected to disrupt academic activities across public schools in the FCT, affecting thousands of pupils and students. Parents and guardians may need to make temporary arrangements as classrooms are likely to remain closed for the duration of the action.
Education stakeholders have often warned that repeated strikes could have long-term consequences on learning outcomes and student development. However, teachers insist that improved welfare and fair treatment are necessary to ensure quality education delivery.
With no clear timeline for resolution, attention now shifts to the FCT administration and whether it will respond swiftly to avert a prolonged shutdown of the school system.
