Teachers in public primary schools within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have refused to resume to school despite the announced reopening of schools within the territory.
They began an indefinite strike action as schools were meant to resume academic activities on 12th October – the first time since March when they were shut due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The teachers under the aegis of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) said the strike action was to drive home their demand that the minimum wage was implemented in their salary scale.
NUT acting secretary in the FCT, Ms Margaret Jethro, told journalists that no teacher will resume classes until the new minimum wage was paid.
Jethro while speaking further at the teachers’ house in Gwagwalada, explained that the strike is coming as the last resort after a series of correspondence with the six area council chairmen did not yield positive results and a seven-day ultimatum was issued.
In her words, “And it is in the light of the above that the union writes to notify all heads of primary school teachers across the FCT of commencement of an indefinite strike action as from Monday, 12 October, 2020 till such a time the new minimum wage is implemented.”
Recall that primary school teachers in Abuja were directed not to resume classes anytime schools are reopened for academic activities. T
The directive was given by the Abuja chapter of the NUT, since Saturday, 5th September.
The chairman of the chapter, Mr Stephen Knabayi said the union gave the directive following the failure of the area council chairmen to pay the minimum wage of the teachers.
Elsewhere within the capital city, the FCT administration had announced the full resumption of classes at all levels.
The chairperson of the FCT schools resumption committee Fatima Abdulrahman in the process sternly warned private schools not to demand third term fees.
The official stated that schools must adhere to the COVID-19 protocols. She pointed out that the maximum class size should be 25 students per class.
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