Juliet Jacob 
ABUJA, Nigeria – All public primary and secondary schools across Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory shut on Monday as teachers begin an indefinite strike over unpaid salary arrears, disrupting learning for thousands of pupils.
Africa Health Report visits schools in Dutse Macaranta, Bwari Area Council, and finds locked gates, empty classrooms and stranded students waiting outside school premises. The shutdown affects major institutions, including a popular secondary school known locally as “Ash and Red”.
Students say classes stop abruptly after teachers inform them of the strike.
“Our teachers say they are not paid, so there is no school,” one student tells Africa Health Report.
Teachers confirm that months of unpaid arrears trigger the action, describing the situation as unsustainable.
“The government refuses to clear our outstanding entitlements. We cannot continue working like this,” says Charity, a secondary school teacher.
Primary school teacher Chioma warns that the strike already harms pupils emotionally and academically.
“Our students want to learn, but we are forced out because our salaries remain unpaid,” she says.
Education analysts warn that prolonged closures could widen learning gaps, especially for low-income families who rely solely on public schools. Parents express concern that repeated strikes undermine confidence in the FCT’s education system.
As of publication, the FCT Administration issues no official statement on when the arrears will be paid or when schools may reopen.
About the Author
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwatobi Adu 