Public primary and secondary schools across Nigeria’s capital city were shut on Monday as members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) commenced a strike action to press home demands over unpaid salaries and entitlements.
The strike, which took effect on April 20, has drawn widespread reactions from stakeholders, particularly teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), many of whom took to social media to express frustration over what they described as prolonged neglect.
“Enough Is Enough” — Teachers Back Strike
Several teachers strongly supported the industrial action, describing it as long overdue.
Sadiq Yahuza, a teacher in the FCT, said the strike was necessary to address what he called “endless backlogs of entitlements,” listing unpaid benefits such as the 40% peculiar allowance, salary increments, wage awards, promotion arrears, and pension remittances.
“No sane union would go to sleep when its members are being owed… All hands must be on deck to ensure the total success of the strike,” he said.
“Enough is enough. Are we not human beings? How many children in school now wish to be teachers in future?”
Welfare Concerns and Declining Teacher Morale
The reactions highlight deeper concerns about declining teacher morale and the long-term implications for the teaching profession.
Some stakeholders warned that persistent welfare issues could discourage young people from entering the profession, further worsening the teacher shortage crisis.
Blame Game: Wike vs Area Council Chairmen
While many stakeholders criticised the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, others pointed to a more complex governance structure.
Frank Fikimena, who identified himself as a non-teacher, argued that responsibility for primary school teachers lies with the six Area Council chairmen, not directly with the minister.
“Primary schools are under LGA chairmen… the issue is between primary school teachers and the six LGA chairmen,” he said, noting that the councils now enjoy financial autonomy.
However, other voices insisted that the minister still bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring compliance with agreements.
Baba Hammeed stated:
“His concern for the people of FCT will not be complete if children are not given sound primary education… Teachers’ efforts must be compensated.”
Growing Frustration Over Government Priorities
Some stakeholders also criticised perceived government spending priorities, contrasting infrastructure projects with teachers’ welfare.
Ughwufobe Itobore lamented that while resources are being committed to other sectors, teachers are left struggling:
“They are building housing estates and duplexes for judges, leaving teachers to get their rewards in heaven.”
Others accused the administration of prioritising politics and infrastructure over human capital development, though these claims remain matters of opinion.
Political Undercurrents Emerge
The strike has also taken on a political tone, with some stakeholders linking the situation to broader electoral considerations ahead of the 2027 elections.
One commenter urged teachers to use their voting power to demand accountability, reflecting how labour issues in the education sector often intersect with political discourse.
Education at Risk
The ongoing strike once again disrupts learning for thousands of pupils in public schools across the FCT, raising concerns about continuity in basic education.
With primary education forming the foundation of Nigeria’s schooling system, prolonged industrial actions could have lasting consequences on learning outcomes and equity.
As negotiations continue, attention remains on whether authorities—across both the FCT administration and Area Councils—will resolve the impasse and restore normal academic activities.
For information on Press Releases, Photos, Promotional Events and Adverts, Please message us on WhatsApp via (+234) 09052129258, 08124662170 or send an email to: info@educeleb.com.
