The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned that the ongoing teachers’ strike could disrupt the conduct of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations, urging the Nigeria Union of Teachers, FCT Wing, to suspend the industrial action and return to negotiations.
The appeal follows the commencement of an indefinite strike by primary and secondary school teachers in Abuja on Monday over unresolved welfare concerns.
Danlami Hayyo, mandate secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, made the call during an inspection of schools, expressing concern over the timing of the strike as students prepare to sit for their WAEC examinations.
He described the action as “psychologically demoralising” for candidates, warning that disruption at this stage could negatively impact performance, with no provision for a separate rescheduling for FCT students.
Hayyo also raised concerns over reports that striking teachers were forcing students out of classrooms, stressing that such actions could further undermine learning outcomes.
The FCTA maintained that efforts had been made to address teachers’ welfare, noting that under Minister Nyesom Wike, more than 100 schools have been rehabilitated and about 40 percent of outstanding entitlements paid in 2025.
He, however, attributed a significant portion of the outstanding issues to Local Education Authorities and Area Council Chairmen, rather than the FCT Administration.
The NUT had directed its members to embark on the strike, citing the FCTA’s failure to respond to key demands amid rising economic pressures. While acknowledging the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage and payment of nine months’ salary arrears, the union said several issues remain unresolved.
These include the non-implementation of 25 percent and 35 percent salary increments, as well as a 40 percent peculiar allowance.
The union also pointed to a committee set up by the minister in July 2025 to harmonise outstanding entitlements, noting that although the panel submitted its report in August, its recommendations have yet to be made public.
FCTA officials are now calling for renewed engagement to avert prolonged disruption to academic activities, warning that continued industrial action could worsen the out-of-school children challenge in the territory.
