Abuja:Students in the Federal Capital Territory are facing disruptions due to ongoing labour disputes between the FCT Administration and workers, as reported by the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the strike was initiated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) over unresolved labour and policy issues impacting teachers in the area. This action has raised concerns about its impact on students.
ASUSS Chairman, Julius Ogundiran, emphasized that secondary school teachers are not part of the strike, distancing them from the indefinite industrial action. He highlighted that closing schools could hinder teachers’ career growth and disrupt students’ education. Ogundiran advocated for dialogue among all parties involved—NLC, NUT, FCT Administration, the FCT Civil Service Commission, and relevant agencies—to address the ongoing grievances without resorting to school closures.
Ogundiran assured that ASUSS, affiliated with the Trade Union Congress, remains independent and committed to continuing educational activities. He expressed worries about the possible disruption of the 2026 Computer-Based Test Promotion Examination due to the strike and urged teachers to maintain their duties and prepare for the examination.
Meanwhile, Abdulkarim Muhammad, Secretary General of NANS Joint Campus Council, FCT Chapter, stressed that students should not bear the consequences of the government-labour disputes. He called for an immediate suspension of the strike, urging transparency in resolving the issues. Muhammad underscored the importance of prioritizing students’ education and the professional rights of teachers, advocating for support rather than political maneuvering.