FCT Teachers Halt Strike, To Resume Monday 27

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Wing State Executive Council (SWEC), has suspended its ongoing strike by primary and secondary school teachers.

The SWEC chairman, Abdullahi Shafa, stated at a press conference in Gwagwalada on Sunday that the decision was made after an urgent meeting was called to examine FCT minister Nyesom Wike’s involvement in the disagreement that was announced on April 20.

He further stated that a N5 billion monthly commitment to meet the unmet requirements of teachers was agreed by the minister.

Last week, teachers across primary and secondary schools in the FCT were absent from classrooms owning to an indefinite strike over unmet demands.

Regarding promotions, Shafa also stated that the minister had promised to evaluate the 2024 promotion process and work with the chairman of the FCT civil service commission to eliminate the vacancy requirement for teacher promotions.

Additionally, he stated that the council had instructed all FCT teachers to return to work on Monday, April 27, in accordance with the stakeholders’ resolution.

He also added that the council had instructed all FCT primary and secondary school teachers to return to work on Monday, April 27, in accordance with the stakeholders’ resolution.

According to Shafa, no teacher should be punsihed for participating in the strike, adding that the council would review its position if the administration failed to honour the agreement.

He applauded the FCT teachers for their solidarity and reaffirmed SWEC’s commitment to improved working conditions in the FCT.

BACKSTORY…

Public school teachers across the Federal Capital Territory had earlier announced the commencement of an indefinite strike, raising fresh concerns about disruptions to learning in Abuja.

At the centre of the dispute are unresolved issues surrounding teachers’ entitlements and career progression. The union insisted that despite previous engagements with the Federal Capital Territory Administration, several promises remain unfulfilled.