The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has criticised the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing, over reports that its members disrupted school activities and forced students and teachers out of classrooms, thereby affecting preparations for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations.
The Mandate Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, Danlami Hayyo, made this known on Monday during an inspection tour of schools across the territory, where he appealed to the union to suspend its ongoing indefinite strike.
The NUT had earlier directed primary and secondary school teachers in the FCT to embark on an indefinite strike from Monday, citing unresolved welfare issues and worsening economic conditions.
Hayyo described the timing of the industrial action as unfortunate, noting that students are expected to begin the 2026 WAEC May/June Senior School Certificate Examination on Tuesday, April 21, which will run until June 19, 2026. He warned that disrupting academic activities at such a critical period could negatively impact students’ performance.
He questioned the rationale behind sending students out of classrooms on the eve of their examinations, stating that such actions could demoralise them and potentially lead to poor outcomes, as WAEC would not adjust its schedule specifically for affected students in the FCT.
The Mandate Secretary also expressed concern over reports that some union members allegedly forced the closure of classrooms, despite the presence of students and teachers ready for academic activities. He argued that it was inappropriate for any union to compel students to leave school under such circumstances.
While acknowledging the recurring nature of strikes in the education sector, Hayyo maintained that industrial action is not the best approach to achieving lasting solutions, warning that frequent disruptions could have long-term consequences on students and the education system.
He further noted that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had made efforts to improve the education sector, including renovating over 100 schools and approving the payment of 40 percent of teacher-related entitlements in 2025.
According to him, several of the issues raised by the union fall within the responsibilities of Local Education Authorities and Area Council chairmen, rather than the FCTA.
Hayyo urged the union to return to dialogue and prioritise the welfare of students, warning that continued strike actions could increase the number of out-of-school children in the territory.
He concluded by appealing to the teachers to resume negotiations in the interest of maintaining stability within the FCT education system.
