In a major announcement for the education sector in Nigeria, primary school teachers in the FCT have decided to suspend their strike following a series of negotiations with relevant authorities. The suspension, which comes after weeks of tensions and demands, is a significant step towards resolving issues related to teachers’ working conditions and compensation.
The joint communiqué issued by the union, signed by Abdullahi Shafa, Margaret Jetro and Ibukun Adekeye, marked a turning point in the saga that has affected primary education in the FCT. After emergency meetings and intense talks, the teachers agreed to resume work from October 8. This decision follows the intervention of the Minister and partial payments of salary arrears owed since 2019.
The striking teachers stress the Minister’s renewed support and commitment towards resolving outstanding issues, including the payment of special allowances, implementation of revised salary criteria and salary increment. The suspension of the strike is seen as a gesture of openness by teachers towards efforts to resolve the crisis.
The decision to suspend the strike reflects the willingness of teachers to maintain constructive dialogue with the authorities and ensure quality education for students in the FCT. The communiqué also underscores the importance of the speedy resolution of outstanding issues to avoid any further disruption to educational activities.
In conclusion, the suspension of the strike by teachers in primary schools in the FCT marks a positive turning point in the education sector in Nigeria. The discussions and commitments made by the authorities and teachers demonstrate a common desire to find sustainable solutions to improve the working conditions and remuneration of teachers. This enhanced collaboration is a step in the right direction to ensure quality education for children in Nigeria.