By Philip Yatai
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory Wing, has directed primary school teachers in the territory to resume strike on Jan. 15.
The union gave the directive in a communique issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the State Wing Standing Committee (SWSC), held in Abuja on Friday.
The communique was signed by State Chairman, Mr Abdullahi Shafas, State Secretary, Ms Margaret Jethro, and State Publicity Secretary, Mr Ibukun Adekeye.
The primary school teachers had embarked on indefinite strike on Sept. 11, 2023, over non implementation of 40 per cent Peculiar Allowance and payment of 25 months minimum wage arrears, among other issues.
The NUT suspended the strike on Oct. 2, 2023 for six weeks to allow for the resolution of the issues, following the intervention of FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike.
Wike had set up a six-man committee to look into the issues and recommend solutions.
The teachers, however, expressed worry that the six weeks had elapsed since Nov. 2023, with nothing positive achieved, even though the committee had submitted its report.
“We are concerned that series of meetings have taken place, but the primary school teachers remain in a pathetic situation and continue to bear the brunt of the high cost of living.
“Saddened by the suffering of the teachers and the nonpayment of the aforementioned entitlements, the SWSC has no other option than to direct all primary school teachers in FCT to resume the suspended strike.
“The union, hereby, directs all FCT primary school teachers to resume the suspended strike action with effect from Monday, Jan. 15, till further notice.
“Parents are advised to keep their children and wards in primary schools safe at home,” the NUT added.
The union warned that all secondary school teachers in the FCT would join the strike from Jan. 22, if the demands of the primary school teachers were not met before Jan. 19, 2024.
(NAN)
