By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has appealed to the striking teachers under the banner of the Nigeria Union of Teachers,NUT, in the territory to suspend it’s ongoing industrial action.
This appeal was made by the Mandate Secretary, Education Secretariat, FCTA, Danlami Hayyo on Monday in Abuja.
He warned that the strike is “psychologically demoralizing” for students scheduled to begin their West African Examinations Council (WAEC) papers tomorrow.
Hayyo expressed deep concern over reports that union members were forcibly removing students and teachers from classrooms.
”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 noted.
Considering the timing of the strike is critical, with WAEC examinations set to commence nationwide, Hayyo questioned the union’s commitment to the welfare of their own children.
He said:”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?”
Defending the current administration’s record, Hayyo highlighted that the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has prioritized educational infrastructure, with over 100 schools currently undergoing or having completed massive renovations.
He further clarified the financial standing of the government regarding union demands.
Stressing theat the Minister paid 40% of teacher entitlements last year., the Secretary emphasized that many of the outstanding grievances involve the Local Education Authority (LEA) and the Area Council Chairmen, rather than the central FCT Administration.
Hayyo urged the union to return to the bargaining table rather than “destabilizing” the entire FCT education system over local council disputes.
”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.
The Education Secretariat concluded by calling on the NUT to set aside “selfish interests” and prioritize the future of the students by allowing teaching and learning to resume immediately.