FCT schools resume during NUT strike

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) witnessed a polarized start to the new academic session on Monday as it was marked by a mix of high student attendance in some wards and forced closures in others.

As a recently declared strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) threatens to disrupt the upcoming national exams, the Secretary in Charge of the FCT Education Secretariat, Danlami Hayyo, has appealed to the NUT to suspend its industrial action, describing the times as “psychologically demoralising” for students scheduled to start their West African Examinations Council (WAEC) papers on Tuesday.

During an inspection tour of schools in the capital, Secretary Hayyo expressed deep concern over reports that union members were forcibly removing students and teachers from classrooms. Although he noted an initial “impressive turnout,” progress was marred by union interference.

“I don’t think it’s constitutionally right for the NUT to come and chase away all the students,” Hayyo said.

He questioned the logic of the action on the eve of important exams.

“How can you expect your sons and daughters to take exams tomorrow when you chase them away today?

“This could lead to mass failure and WAEC will not reschedule FCT students alone,” he said.

Amid the uncertainty, some institutions such as Government Science Secondary School (GSSS), Maitama, have reopened successfully, albeit with lower attendance.