- Orders total shutdown of govt schools in Abuja
The crisis rocking the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration deepened on Monday, as the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing, joined the ongoing indefinite strike, ordering a total shutdown of all public primary and secondary schools in Abuja.
The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency State Wing Standing Committee (SWSC) meeting of the union held on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the FCT Teachers’ House, Gwagwalada.
Jointly signed by the State Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi M. Shafas; the State Secretary, Comrade Margaret F. Jethro; and the State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ibukun Adekeye, the union said its action followed directives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for all affiliate unions in the FCT to join and escalate the ongoing strike being coordinated by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).
“All primary and secondary school teachers in the FCT are to join the ongoing strike with effect from Monday, 26th January, 2026”, the communiqué stated.
The NUT further directed teachers within and around Abuja to converge on the National Industrial Court (NIC), Gimbya Street, Area 11, by 7:00 am on Monday for the hearing of a case instituted against JUAC, describing the action as part of efforts to pursue justice and demonstrate collective resolve.
The union said it had carefully reviewed the manner in which the strike was organised and its implications for teachers, noting that its decision was informed by broader labour solidarity and the need to protect members’ interests.
“The union is poised for continuous engagement with the authority on teachers’ outstanding demands”, the communiqué added, assuring members that they would be kept informed as events unfold.
The development represents a major setback for the FCT Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike, as thousands of pupils across public schools in the nation’s capital are now out of classrooms, compounding pressure on government to resolve the dispute swiftly.
