Academic activities have been disrupted across public primary and secondary schools in the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) after teachers began an indefinite strike over unresolved promotion, career progression and welfare issues.
The industrial action started on Wednesday, October 7, following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCT Administration by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Council.
Pupils and students who arrived at some schools were reportedly turned away, while others encountered locked gates or classrooms without teachers. The NLC directed its members to withdraw their services after its State Executive Council meeting at Labour House, Abuja, reviewed the FCT Administration’s response to the ultimatum.
The labour body, led by Comrade Stephen Knabayi in the FCT, described the administration’s response as unsatisfactory, saying it was neither clear nor sufficient to address the teachers’ concerns. At the centre of the dispute is the alleged vacancy clause, which the NLC said had contributed to career stagnation and weakened morale among teachers despite their role in the education sector.
The council subsequently extended the strike directive to workers across the FCT, including employees in the public and private sectors. Under the directive, schools, government offices, hospitals and other establishments are expected to remain closed until the union’s demands are addressed.
The latest shutdown adds to previous disruptions affecting public schools in the nation’s capital and places further pressure on authorities to resolve the dispute with the affected teachers.
