The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared a nationwide mass protest scheduled for Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in response to the extended strike by primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The protest action comes after more than two months of closure for over 400 public primary schools across the six area councils—a situation described by student leaders as a “gross violation” of children’s fundamental right to education.
NANS President Olushola Oladoja issued a seven-day ultimatum last week, demanding that the FCT Administration, led by Ministers Nyesom Wike and Barr. Nyesom Wike, reopen the schools. According to student representatives, the ultimatum has been ignored, leading to the decision to escalate protests.
“Despite multiple appeals, correspondences, and calls for constructive dialogue with relevant authorities, no meaningful steps have been taken,” Oladoja affirmed, condemning the continued silence of government officials.
Why the Strike?
The strike, initiated in late March 2025 by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT chapter, centres on the April 2024 agreement for a ₦70,000 minimum wage for primary school teachers, a pact formally endorsed in December of the same year. Despite official commitments, salaries have remained stagnant, and teachers, feeling neglected, initiated an indefinite industrial action.
In a statement issued today, FCT Ministry of Education spokesperson Boriowo Folasade emphasised that the Ministry remains firmly committed to teacher welfare and is actively mediating between the FCT Administration, the six area councils, and Local Education Authority officials to resolve the issue amicably.
What’s at Stake
A Generation Left Behind
The fallout from the strike has been profound. Thousands of pupils from low-income families are currently out of the classroom, experiencing disrupted learning and falling behind in crucial foundational education. NANS describes this as an outright denial of educational rights.
Symbolic Mourning
To underscore public grief and alarm, participants in the planned protest are being urged to wear black attire on July 2. Oladoja explained that this symbolises the “death of basic education” in the FCT.
Mobilization Strategy
The protest will commence at 7:00 AM at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Secretariat, Area 11, Garki, with NANS chapters from Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Kaduna, and the FCT providing full mobilization support. Special coordination duties have been assigned to Zone A and Zone C structures to maximise turnout and ensure an impactful presence.
Government’s Response
The Federal Ministry of Education has stepped in to broker a dialogue, positioning itself as a mediator among stakeholders. Minister Wike and the Minister of Education are reportedly committed to reaching consensus with the Nigeria Union of Teachers, the FCT Administration, and area council authorities.
Sources within the Ministry reaffirmed that the strike—a matter under Local Education Authority jurisdiction—is being treated as a national priority. The Ministry underscored the importance of collaborative governance and affirmed its dedication to resolving the disruption swiftly.
Broader Implications
Justice, Equality, and Nigeria’s Future
NANS has framed this mass protest as more than a fight for education; they assert it is a struggle for justice and the nation’s future. Oladoja emphasised that this protest defends the broader values of equity and equal opportunity for Nigeria’s youth.
Civil Society Engagement
The protest call has extended beyond students, urging civil society organisations, parents, education-rights advocates, and community leaders to join the demonstration. NANS sees this pivotal moment as a collective expression of concern over children’s fundamental rights.
Pressure on Governance
This movement adds to broader labour unrest within the FCT. Just this week, civil servants and local union leaders, including the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), staged protests at the FCT Secretariat—demanding overdue allowances, salary arrears, and career stagnation relief, as well as calling for the removal of key administrative officials.
What to Watch
- Wednesday, July 2 – Will student turnout match the call to gather at the FCDA Secretariat at 7:00 AM in black attire?
- Dialogue Escalation – Will Ministers Wike and the Education Ministry make tangible progress in negotiations with NUT?
- GAINS for Pupils – Will the protest trigger prompt school reopenings and the resumption of critical learning?
Voices from the Ground
While official statements dominate, student leaders and teachers on the ground resonate with a sense of urgency and frustration.
- Olushola Oladoja (NANS President): “We will occupy the streets of Abuja until the government listens. No retreat, no surrender!”
- Boriowo Folasade (Education Ministry Spokesperson): The Ministry continues to engage and prioritises constructive dialogue to restore uninterrupted education
Conclusion
As the crisis endures, NANS has taken a bold step, leveraging civic action to demand accountability and prioritise access to education. Their planned mass protest on July 2 signals a pivotal moment in efforts to resolve the strike and ensure classrooms reopen across the FCT.
The coming days will reveal whether protest and dialogue can combine to bring lasting relief to thousands of affected children—and perhaps serve as a model for how civic engagement can secure children’s rights to education in Nigeria.
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