By Abuja, Nigeria
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has expressed worry over the ongoing strike by teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), calling for an immediate resolution to safeguard the right to education, especially for children in rural and underserved communities.
The organization lamented that the strike, which comes after a prolonged disruption of academic activities in 2025, is worsening the educational challenges faced by children from vulnerable backgrounds. CITAD recognized the legitimate grievances of teachers and other FCTA workers, including unpaid wage awards, promotion arrears, unremitted pension and National Housing Fund deductions, as well as unpaid hazard and rural allowances.
“These unresolved issues undermine the morale and effectiveness of educators who are central to building an educated society,” CITAD stated.
Recall that the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT chapter, joined the indefinite industrial action declared by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on January 26, 2026. As a result, public primary and secondary schools across the (FCT) have remained closed, leaving thousands of pupils without access to formal education.
CITAD warned that the continued closure of schools poses severe consequences for children in rural FCT communities, where access to alternative learning platforms is limited or non-existent. They stressed that the situation widens the digital divide, deprives children of foundational learning, and exposes them to social risks such as child labor and early marriage.
CITAD however, urged all parties involved — including the FCTA leadership under the Honourable Minister, JUAC, NUT, and relevant federal authorities — to prioritize dialogue and good-faith negotiations aimed at resolving the outstanding welfare and entitlement issues without further delay.
