With WAEC exams set to begin, tension is rising in FCT schools as a teachers’ strike disrupts classes and exam preparation.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has condemned the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing, over reports that its members forced students and teachers out of classrooms.
The disruption, according to the administration, has affected preparations for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams scheduled to start on Tuesday, April 21.
Speaking during an inspection of schools on Monday, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, Danlami Hayyo, appealed to the union to suspend its indefinite strike.
The NUT had directed primary and secondary school teachers in the FCT to embark on the strike from Monday, citing unresolved welfare issues and the impact of worsening economic conditions.
Hayyo described the timing as unfortunate.
“How can you expect your sons and daughters to write their exams tomorrow when you are chasing them out of school today?” he said.
“You are demoralising 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?”
The 2026 WAEC May/June Senior School Certificate Examination is scheduled to run from April 21 to June 19.
The Mandate Secretary also expressed concern over reports that union members forcibly shut 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 said.
He criticised the recurring cycle of strikes, warning of its long-term impact on students.
“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,” he added.
Hayyo further noted that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had undertaken renovations in over 100 schools and approved the payment of 40 per cent of teacher-related entitlements in 2025.
He explained that many of the issues raised by the union fall under the responsibilities of Local Education Authorities and Area Council chairmen, not the FCTA.
He warned that prolonged strike action could increase the number of out-of-school children in the territory.
“I am tired of this strike. If we continue to discourage these children now, they will retaliate when they become the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
The FCTA has called on the union to return to dialogue and prioritise the interest of students, especially as a major examination begins.
Credit: ThePunch
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