The Federal Capital Territory Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, and the FCT Universal Basic Education Board, FCT UBEB, have taken opposing sides in the ongoing indefinite strike by public school teachers in the territory.
While UBEB on Wednesday, directed teachers to disregard the strike and resume their duties, the NUT countered the directive, ordering teachers in all FCT primary and secondary schools to stay at home and comply with the industrial action.
The latest development followed a circular issued by UBEB directing teachers to disregard the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, FCT Council’s indefinite strike and warning of sanctions for non-compliance.
But a counter-directive signed electronically by the State Secretary of the FCT NUT, Margaret Jethro, insisted that the NLC’s strike directive was lawful and binding, pointing that the necessary procedures had been followed before the action commenced.
The directive sighted by our correspondent reads, “The NLC directive is lawful and binding. Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended) and Section 35 of Trade Unions Act guarantee the right of workers to embark on industrial action after following due process. The NLC has fulfilled all conditions – trade dispute declared, ultimatum issued, and notice given.”
The NUT also rejected UBEB’s threat of sanctions against teachers participating in the strike, arguing that workers were protected by law when acting in compliance with directives from their union.
“You cannot be sanctioned for obeying your union. The Trade Disputes Act protects every worker who participates in a strike declared by his union.”
The union urged the relevant authorities to address the issues behind the strike rather than threaten teachers.
It restated the demands driving the industrial action as the removal of the vacancy clause for teachers’ promotion, conclusion of the 2023, 2024 and 2025 teachers’ promotion exercises, and the official reinstatement of redeployed or demoted directors.
It stressed that “Intimidation and threats cannot solve them.”
The NUT subsequently directed teachers in all FCT primary and secondary schools to disregard the UBEB directive and remain at home until further notice from the NLC FCT Council.
“Consequently, all teachers in FCT primary and secondary schools are hereby directed to DISREGARD the threat from the UBEB or any other Authority.
STAY AT HOME, and FULLY COMPLY with the indefinite strike from October 7, 2026 until otherwise directed by the NLC FCT COUNCIL.”
The development is the latest twist in the dispute that began after the NLC FCT Council declared an indefinite strike over what it described as prolonged career stagnation and other unresolved issues affecting FCT teachers.
At the centre of the dispute is the use of a vacancy clause that makes teachers’ promotion subject to the availability of vacancies on the establishment.
The NLC has demanded the removal of the clause, the conclusion of outstanding teachers’ promotion exercises and the reversal of the redeployment and demotion of affected directors.
But the labour directive has faced resistance from education authorities.
ASUSS, the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, FCT Chapter, had earlier rejected the strike directive and instructed secondary school teachers and education officers to continue with their normal duties.
The union described the strike as premature and directed secondary schools to remain open, while urging teachers to disregard instructions from unauthorised bodies seeking to disrupt the academic calendar.
Similarly, FCT UBEB, in a circular dated October 7 and signed by its Acting Executive Chairman, Nsu Rabo Baweygye, directed schools and relevant departments under its jurisdiction to disregard the NLC strike call.
“Such communiqué should not be complied with as discussion is still ongoing with the Authority,” UBEB stated.
The Board also warned that failure to comply with its directive could attract necessary procedures in line with existing guidelines.
The NUT, however, maintained its position, urging teachers to remain united in the strike.
The NUT advised members, “Let us collectively fight this injustice once and for all. An injury to one is an injury to all ! A people united can never be defeated!!!
“Remember to disregard UBEB threat. Observe the indefinite strike-you are protected by law.”
