Primary school teachers in the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja under the aegis of FCT-LEA Teachers Forum has affirmed that its industrial action which is scheduled to commence
on Monday, 11th September, 2023, will go on as planned.
A statement signed by the coordinator of the forum, Abdulsalam Haruna, and made available to SUMMIT POST NEWS on Sunday noted that the group deemed the strike action necessary in order to highlight the demands for fair and proper treatment of primary school teachers in the FCT.
This is coinciding with the scheduled day for primary school resumption.
The statement said the action is rooted in the urgent need to address the challenges faced by teachers who play a pivotal role in our education system.
It said the foremost reason behind the teachers’ action is the non-settlement of backlog allowances and arrears owed to teachers throughout the FCT.
“These unpaid dues have remained unresolved despite repeated appeals and engagements with various authorities. This lack of commitment and negligence on the part of those in authority has necessitated this protest,” the group noted.
Their key demand is that backlog of allowances be settled and all outstanding areas paid up to date.
The group this called all concerned authorities to rise up to the occasion to save primary education as it is the bedrock of any functional educational system.
They said, “In light of the current situation, we firmly urge the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Minister of Education, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to prioritize the examination of primary school education in the FCT and indeed, nationwide. Primary education serves as the foundation of our educational system and plays a crucial role in the development of our great nation.
“We call upon the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough review of the primary school education sector, focusing on issues such as infrastructure, teacher welfare, professional development, and the overall improvement of the teaching and learning environment. It is imperative to address the challenges faced by teachers comprehensively to create a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning.
“Timely intervention and resolution of these concerns will not only enhance the welfare of teachers but also promote quality education in the FCT and, by extension, Nigeria as a whole.
We emphasize that investing in primary school education is an investment in the future of our nation. Only through an effective and well-supported education system can we ensure the development and progress of our one and only country..