Education in the Federal Capital Territory has once again hit a major stumbling block as primary school teachers under the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) embark on an indefinite strike. The timing couldn't be worse, as the strike interrupts first-term examinations, leaving thousands of pupils stranded and the education system in disarray.
This marks the second strike by the union this term, with the first consuming four critical weeks of learning. At the heart of the agitation are seven pressing demands that highlight years of neglect and unmet promises. Among the grievances are the implementation of a 40% peculiar allowance, payment of arrears for a 35k wage award, and long-overdue salary increases of 25% and 35%. The union is also calling for the resolution of backlogs of promotion arrears and the upgrading of teachers in Bwari and Kuje Area Councils who have endured five years of underemployment with paltry salaries of 30,000 naira.
Teachers are also demanding the full settlement of 2019 minimum wage arrears, which were partially paid earlier this year through the intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. Adding to the list is the immediate implementation of the new minimum wage for 2024 and the accompanying three months' arrears.
The union's ultimatum paints a grim picture of a system in dire straits, with one educator lamenting, “The foundation of education in FCT is dead.” The recurring strikes not only disrupt academic activities but also cast a shadow on the future of countless children who depend on public schools for their education.
As negotiations remain stalled, the question looms: how long will the government allow the education of its youngest citizens to remain in jeopardy?
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