Teachers in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Embark on Strike Over Unpaid Salaries and Allowances

In a move aimed at demanding their rights, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, has instructed its members across the six area councils to go on an indefinite strike action. The strike, which is set to begin on Monday, September 11, 2023, comes in response to the prolonged non-payment of teachers' salaries and the non-implementation of the 40 percent peculiar allowance for its members by the council chairmen.

Normally, secondary and primary schools across the FCT would have resumed for the first term academic session during this period. However, due to the ongoing strike, students will have to wait until further notice to resume their education.

The decision to embark on the strike action was made after an emergency State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting held at the Teachers' House in Gwagwalada. The meeting was jointly chaired by the NUT state chairman, Comrade Stephen Knabayi, and the secretary, Margaret F. Jethro. In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the union expressed its dissatisfaction with the state of education in the FCT and the welfare of its members.

The NUT's demands primarily revolve around the payment of 25 months arrears and the implementation of the 40 percent peculiar allowance for its members. The council chairmen have failed to address these issues or pay other outstanding allowances, including the non-implementation of promotion arrears, non-upgrading of concerned teachers, non-implementation of annual increments, and non-implementation of promotion letters released for teachers.

The union's communique states, "And having explored and exhausted all available avenues of getting these outstanding demands of the concerned teachers met without the desired result, including non-commitment of the councils to the welfare of primary school teachers, the SWEC in-session resolved to direct all primary school teachers to embark on an indefinite strike action on Monday, September 11, 2023."

The NUT is determined to continue the strike until their demands are met. They are also calling on parents across the FCT to keep their children safe at home and support the teachers' cause.

Attempts to reach the chairman of the Kwali area council, Danladi Chiya, who is also the FCT ALGON chairman, for comment were unsuccessful.

This strike action is likely to have a significant impact on the education system in the FCT. Thousands of students will be affected, as well as the teachers themselves. The NUT is hoping that the strike will draw attention to their grievances and lead to a resolution of the outstanding issues.

The non-payment of salaries and allowances is a serious concern that needs to be addressed by the relevant authorities. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future of our society, and their welfare should be a top priority.

This strike serves as a reminder that the education sector requires continuous investment and support. It is essential for the government and other stakeholders to work together to find a sustainable solution that ensures teachers are adequately compensated for their tireless efforts.

As the strike begins, parents and students must adapt to the temporary disruption in the academic calendar. It is crucial for parents to ensure their children's safety and well-being while alternative arrangements for their education are made.

The NUT's decision to take industrial action highlights the urgent need to address the grievances of teachers and ensure that their rights are respected. It is hoped that the strike will lead to constructive dialogue between the NUT and the council chairmen, resulting in a resolution that benefits all parties involved.

Education is the foundation upon which a prosperous society is built. By investing in our teachers and providing them with the necessary support, we can pave the way for a brighter future.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-09-11 News

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