Primary school teachers embark on indefinite strike in Abuja

Tamarauemi Ebimini

Teachers of government-owned schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have embarked on an indefinite strike.

This was after a 14-day ultimatum which the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Chapter, issued to the six area councils in the territory.

Pupils who went to school on Wednesday returned home disappointed, as according to them, their teachers directed them back on getting to the school gate.

Confirming the development, Chairman of the NUT in Kubwa, Comrade Ameh Baba, said a resolution was taken before the exercise kicked off.

He said the strike is mainly on the demand to press the six area councils in fulfilling their pledge to settle 60 percent owed minimum wage arrears.

Comrade Ameh also condemned the councils over their non-implementation to pay teachers 40 percent peculiar allowance, as well as non-implementation of 25 percent and 35 percent teachers salary increment, respectively.

He advocated that the primary education being the laying foundation of human education, should be treated with utmost care.

The union warned that “This strike we started today is just the beginning. If the government does not respond after about 7 days, we are going to picket the area councils secretariats.”

“It would also be followed with the protest as well a solidarity from the secondary schools’ teacher in the long run. But as of now it would affect the JSS 1 incoming students, because their result is due for release,” he added.