Teachers down tools over unpaid allowances

Nigeria Union of Teachers protest in Abuja

 

 Teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday protested over delayed staff promotion, government's failure to meet up with teacher’s salary scheme, unpaid rent allowance and other benefits.

Government schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were closed on Monday as teachers protested government's failure to pay some stipulated allowances.

Sources say the teachers' grievances include delayed staff promotion, failure to meet up with teacher’s salary scheme, unpaid rent allowance and other benefits.

A teacher who pleaded anonymity said the strike was announced by the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) which issued a circular to all schools to commence the strike.

He told Daily Trust that only 50 per cent of the allowances have been paid to junior staff and 60 per cent to senior staff under the present administration of the FCT, headed by Sen. Bala Mohammed.

NUT President, Michael Olukoya Ologba said the strike was due to non-payment of salaries amongst others.

He urged teachers in all states to make their demands now so that they would not be a burden to incoming governments.

However, the Head, Public Relations Unit, Secretary for Education, FCTA, Anthony Ogunleye, has said the strike was uncalled for.

He said all the issues “have been adequately addressed" or "receiving urgent attention.”