FCT NLC Strike Sees School Closures Amid Opposition from ASUSS

On October 8, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) initiated an indefinite strike due to unresolved labor disputes and policy grievances affecting teachers, following a seven-day ultimatum to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The strike saw partial compliance, with many government schools in Dutse, Kubwa, and Garki closed, while some FCT Administration workers continued their duties.

Mrs. Margaret Jethro, secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), reported a compliance rate of 70-80% on the first day, expecting it to rise. However, the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) rejected the strike, labeling it ill-timed and detrimental to the academic calendar.

ASUSS chairman Julius Ogundiran confirmed that secondary school teachers remained in classrooms, emphasizing their disassociation from the NUT strike. The union supports legitimate demands for teacher welfare but opposes actions that could disrupt the upcoming 2026 Computer-Based Test (CBT) promotion examination.