Teachers in public primary and secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commenced an indefinite strike, citing the Federal Government’s failure to address longstanding demands.

A visit to several schools, including LEA Primary School in Area 10, Garki, and Government Science Technical College in Area 3, Garki, showed empty classrooms and deserted premises, as both students and staff stayed away.

The strike action follows a communiqué issued on Friday by the FCT Wing Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), directing its members to withdraw their services effective Monday.

The communiqué, jointly signed by State Chairman Abdullahi Shafa, State Secretary Margaret Jethro, and State Publicity Secretary Ibukun Adekeye, stated that the decision was reached after an emergency meeting of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC). The meeting reviewed a seven-day ultimatum earlier issued to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on March 11, which lapsed on March 29 without a response.

According to the union, the industrial action became necessary due to the continued lack of engagement from authorities on what it described as teachers’ legitimate demands, particularly against the backdrop of worsening economic conditions in the country and the FCT.