By Peace Erewunmi

Teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday disrupted a civil service promotion examination by blocking access to the examination venue in protest against the prolonged strike affecting public primary schools in the territory. The action was aimed at drawing attention to their unresolved welfare demands and the continued delay in implementing agreements reached with the FCT Administration.

The protesting teachers, under the umbrella of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), gathered at the examination venue before the exercise commenced, insisting that government officials should address their grievances before proceeding with routine administrative activities. The protest temporarily disrupted movement into the venue as security personnel monitored the situation.

The industrial action began in April 2026 after the NUT directed teachers in public primary and junior secondary schools across the six area councils of the FCT to embark on an indefinite strike. The union accused the FCT Administration of failing to implement the recommendations of a committee established in 2025 to resolve outstanding teachers’ welfare issues.

Among the teachers’ demands are the release and implementation of the harmonisation committee’s report on outstanding entitlements, payment of salary-related benefits, resolution of promotion issues, and the removal of what the union described as unnecessary conditions delaying the promotion of eligible teachers. The union also wants a review of previous promotion exercises that it considers unfair.

The prolonged strike has disrupted learning in public primary schools across the FCT, affecting thousands of pupils. Parents and education stakeholders have repeatedly appealed to both the union and the FCT Administration to resolve the dispute quickly to prevent further damage to the education sector.

The FCT Administration has previously acknowledged the teachers’ concerns and held meetings with union leaders in an effort to find a lasting solution. However, negotiations have yet to produce an agreement acceptable to both parties, allowing the strike to continue.

Union leaders maintained that the protest was peaceful and intended to demonstrate their frustration over what they described as government inaction. They insisted that teachers remain committed to returning to classrooms once their legitimate demands are addressed and the agreed commitments are implemented.

The incident highlights the ongoing tension between the FCT Administration and public school teachers over welfare and career progression. Stakeholders continue to urge both sides to resume meaningful dialogue and reach a compromise that will allow schools to reopen and restore normal academic activities across the Federal Capital Territory.