By Eniola Gbajuma, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) witnessed a polarized start to the new academic session on Monday, characterized by a mix of high student turnout in some quarters and forceful closures in others, as a newly declared Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) strike threatens to disrupt upcoming national examinations.
The Mandate Secretary for the FCT Education Secretariat, Danlami Hayyo, has issued a stern appeal to the NUT to suspend its industrial action, describing the timing as “psychologically demoralizing” for students scheduled to begin their West African Examinations Council (WAEC) papers tomorrow.
During an inspection tour of schools in the capital, Secretary Hayyo expressed deep concern over reports that union members were forcibly removing students and teachers from classrooms. While he noted an initial “impressive turnout,” the progress was marred by union interference.
”I don’t think constitutionally it’s right for the NUT to come and chase all the students out,” Hayyo stated.
He questioned the logic of the action on the eve of major examinations.
“How can you expect your sons and daughters to write exams tomorrow when you are chasing them out today?
“This could lead to mass failure, and WAEC will not reschedule for FCT students alone”, he stated.
Amidst the uncertainty, some institutions like Government Science Secondary School (GSSS), Maitama, have successfully reopened, albeit with lower attendance. Director Principal Isa Usman confirmed that while the school serves over 1,800 students, only 473 had reported by Monday.
Principal Usman attributed the slow start to logistics and the ongoing Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams, which saw many SS3 students away from campus.
Despite the strike declaration, GSSS Maitama—a boarding institution—has opted to continue operations.
”Because it’s a boarding house, when they come we cannot send them away.
“We are taking care of them and ensuring everything is going fully for their sake”, Usman.
Hayyo defended the administration’s record, highlighting that FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike has renovated over 100 schools and paid 40% of teacher entitlements last year.
He emphasized that the bulk of the union’s current grievances lie with Local Education Authorities (LEA) and Area Council Chairmen, rather than the central FCT Administration.
As WAEC begins tomorrow; officials fear the strike will destabilize candidates.
Infrastructure: Massive educational transformation is ongoing under Minister Wike.
Most outstanding entitlements are under the jurisdiction of local Area Councils.
Boarding Schools: Institutions like GSSS Maitama are maintaining “business as usual” to protect students already on-site.
The Education Secretariat urged the NUT to return to the bargaining table to avoid worsening the out-of-school children crisis in the territory.
Hayyo laments:”I am tired of this strike. “If we continue to discourage these children now, they will retaliate when they become the leaders of tomorrow. I appeal to the NUT to set aside these interests and prioritize the future of our students.”
As of Monday afternoon, GSSS Maitama management maintained that lectures would proceed for all students present, even as the broader FCT education system remains in a state of high-stakes tension.
