School children in the classroom
By EMMANUEL KUJE, Abuja-
Primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called off their over three-month strike, following interventions by the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike.
The FCT Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) disclosed this in a communique signed by the union’s Chairman, Abdullahi Shafas, Secretary, Mrs. Margaret Jethro, and Publicity Secretary, Ibukun Adekeye.
The union leadership directed teachers to return to classrooms and continue with their legitimate duties.
“Consequent upon the implementation of the minimum wage and payment of five months arrears into the teachers’ accounts on July 8, the SWEC hereby suspends the ongoing strike,” the communique read.
The FCT Minister had offered to release 10% of the Area Councils’ six months accrued Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), amounting to N16 billion, to augment the payment of the minimum wage for June and 60% of its nine months arrears.
The union leaders appreciated the minister’s intervention and efforts to resolve the impasse.
The union will intensify efforts to ensure the payment of the remaining entitlements.
“The council appeals to all primary school teachers in FCT to, with effect from Wednesday, July 9, return to the classrooms and continue with their legitimate duties,” the communique added.
