Classrooms across Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory are set to fall silent from Monday as public school teachers commence an indefinite strike, effectively shutting down primary and secondary schools in Abuja.

The industrial action was declared by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (FCT Wing) after what it described as months of unresolved issues surrounding unpaid entitlements and poor welfare conditions.

Following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCT Administration, the union directed all teachers in public schools across the six area councils to withdraw their services indefinitely.

FCT Chairman of the union, Abdullahi Shafas, said the decision was not taken lightly but became necessary after repeated appeals and negotiations failed to yield results.

According to him, the core issue lies in the non-release and non-implementation of a committee report set up to address long-standing entitlements owed to teachers. These include promotion arrears, allowances, and other welfare packages that have remained unpaid for years.

With the strike now in effect, thousands of pupils and students are expected to be affected, raising concerns among parents and education stakeholders, especially as many schools approach critical examination periods.

Parents and guardians have been urged to make alternative arrangements for their children, as there is no clear timeline for when academic activities will resume.

The development once again highlights ongoing tensions in Nigeria’s public education sector, where disputes over salaries and welfare continue to disrupt learning.

As of press time, the FCT Administration has yet to respond officially to the strike action, but pressure is mounting for urgent dialogue to resolve the crisis and prevent a prolonged shutdown.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has called on its members to fully comply with the directive while negotiations are expected to continue behind the scenes.

More updates will follow as the situation develops.