The FCT wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers has announced plans to deliberate on its ongoing industrial action towards suspending it, following a high-level meeting with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The chairman of the NUT FCT Wing, Comrade Abdulahi Shafa, who announced this on Thursday shortly after the meeting, said critical "shortcomings" regarding the rights and entitlements of primary school teachers, as well as personnel issues in junior and senior secondary schools, were addressed.
Shafa, however, noted that while significant progress and ministerial commitment toward resolving the long-standing grievances were recorded, the strike remains in force until a formal deliberation is held at the Union’s headquarters.
"It was a very fruitful meeting," Comrade Shafa noted. "The Minister has promised immediate action on the issues we raised—some of which he was previously not fully aware of.
"However, the strike has not been called off yet. We are returning to our headquarters to deliberate on the Minister’s offers before making our final decision."
Addressing the striking teachers, FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, revealed that he has intercepted IGR allocations from the Area Councils, directing the treasury to pay teacher allowances directly to resolve the "sole responsibility" of the Councils.
Wike expressed surprise at the Union's decision to proceed with the strike despite previous agreements.
"Unfortunately, there have been some lapses as the council chairmen were not invited. In my view, it would not be proper to hold such a crucial meeting without the involvement of those who are directly affected.
"I have presided over several meetings regarding the payment of teachers' allowances and emoluments.
"Following these discussions, I set up a committee to resolve these issues. I even intercepted the IGR allocation from the area councils and directed the treasury to ensure that the money is paid directly to address these concerns.
"However, I was surprised to learn from the Chief of Staff about a communique indicating that, despite our agreement, there are plans to go on strike.
"I have repeatedly emphasized that education is vital, and continuous strikes will only negatively affect our children.
"Our intervention aims to resolve the payment of allowances and salaries to primary school teachers, which is the sole responsibility of the Councils", he stated.
Despite the minister expressing surprise at the Union's decision to proceed with the strike despite previous agreements, the NUT maintained that the action was a necessary response to the "lapses" and lack of involvement from the Area Council Chairmen, who are the direct employers of primary school educators.
The union’s demands centered on ensuring vacancies are filled to boost teacher productivity and morale, securing the immediate release of allowances and emoluments owed to members, and addressing the failure of Area Council Chairmen to meet their primary education obligations.
The teaching community now awaits the outcome of the NUT's internal meeting. If the minister’s "immediate action" plan is deemed satisfactory, a communique calling off the strike is expected to follow, potentially ending the disruption to the FCT academic calendar.
