FCT Education Secretariat Boss Appeals To NUT To Suspend Strike

The Mandate Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, has appealed to the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to suspend its ongoing industrial action.

Dr. Hayyo made the appeal in Abuja during a school inspection, expressing deep concern over reports that union members were forcibly removing students and teachers from classrooms.

The Education Secretary also called on the NUT to set aside “selfish interests” and prioritize the future of students by allowing teaching and learning to resume immediately.

He warned that the strike is “psychologically demoralizing” for students scheduled to begin their West African Examinations Council (WAEC) papers tomorrow.

Hayyo urged the union to return to the negotiating table rather than “destabilizing” the entire FCT education system over local council disputes.

“I was initially impressed by the high turnout of both students and teachers ready for learning. However, the NUT has chased pupils out of some schools.”

” I do not believe it is constitutionally right for a union to forcefully eject students who are eager to learn,” he said.

Considering the critical timing of the strike, with WAEC examinations set to commence nationwide tomorrow, Hayyo questioned the union’s commitment to the welfare of their own children.

“How can you expect your sons and daughters to write their exams tomorrow when you are chasing them out of school today? You are demoralizing them; psychologically, this could lead to mass failure.

“WAEC will not reschedule its calendar specifically for FCT students. Do you want them to miss this opportunity entirely?” he queried.

Defending the current administration’s record, Hayyo noted that the FCT Minister,Mr Nyesom Wike, has prioritized educational infrastructure, with over 100 schools currently undergoing or completed major renovations.

He further clarified the government’s financial position regarding union demands, noting that the Minister paid 40 percent of teachers entitlements last year.

He emphasized that many of the outstanding grievances involve the Local Education Authority (LEA) and Area Council Chairmen, rather than the central FCT Administration.

“I am tired of this cycle of strikes. For effective learning and quality education, industrial action is not the best path. If we continue to discourage these children now, they may retaliate when they become the leaders of tomorrow. We are working to reduce the number of out-of-school children, but this strike is pushing us backward,” he stated.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji