FCT Teachers Strike Disrupts Learning, Raises Concerns Over Children’s Right to Education
The ongoing teachers’ strike in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has disrupted school resumption for the third term, raising fresh concerns about the impact on children’s right to education and proper development.
Public primary and secondary school teachers, under the Nigeria Union of Teachers, resumed an indefinite strike on Monday, forcing the closure of public schools across Abuja and leaving thousands of students out of classrooms.
The industrial action follows a prolonged dispute between the union and the six Area Council chairmen over unpaid salary arrears and welfare entitlements dating back to 2022. Despite previous interventions and partial payments, key issues remain unresolved, prompting the union to direct parents to keep their children at home.
Education stakeholders say the FCT teachers strike impact on students is significant, particularly for those in critical examination classes. With secondary school students preparing for external exams, including WAEC, the disruption threatens to derail academic schedules and limit learning outcomes.
Parents have expressed frustration over the recurring strikes, noting that repeated school closures are affecting children’s academic stability. Many warn that students in public schools, who often lack access to alternative learning options, are the most affected.
From a child rights perspective, experts caution that prolonged interruptions to schooling can hinder cognitive development, reduce academic performance, and widen existing inequalities in access to education. They stress that consistent learning is essential for children’s growth and long-term opportunities.
The crisis has also renewed calls for urgent intervention by the FCT administration led by Nyesom Wike, with stakeholders urging authorities to prioritise teachers’ welfare to prevent further disruption to education.
As the strike continues, concerns are mounting that children in the nation’s capital are being denied their fundamental right to uninterrupted education due to unresolved administrative and funding challenges.
