Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Capital Territory Administration urges the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to suspend its indefinite strike, warning of disruption to students preparing for crucial examinations.
Mandate Secretary for Education Danlami Hayyo made the appeal on Monday during a school inspection, describing the timing as harmful to candidates scheduled for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams.
“This is psychologically demoralising for students expected to write exams tomorrow,” he says.
Schools across Abuja remain shut, with classrooms locked and pupils absent following the strike directive.
Hayyo condemns reports of students being forced out of classrooms.
“It is not constitutionally right to chase students away from school. This could lead to mass failure,” he adds.
He notes that the FCT Administration has implemented parts of teachers’ demands, including the ₦70,000 minimum wage and payment of arrears.
However, the union insists unresolved issues—such as salary increments and allowances—prompt the industrial action.
Hayyo calls for renewed dialogue, urging union leaders to prioritise students’ futures.
“If we continue like this, we risk worsening the out-of-school children crisis,” he warns.
Education stakeholders say prolonged disruption could impact exam performance and learning outcomes across the territory.
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Oluwatobi Adu