Minister Seeks Solution to Ongoing Dispute
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is set to meet with Area Council Chairmen, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) tomorrow to discuss the ongoing teachers' strike in the Federal Capital Territory. The meeting aims to finalize modalities for reopening public primary schools in the FCT.
The teachers' strike has disrupted basic education across the six Area Councils of the FCT, leaving thousands of pupils out of school. NUT has accused Area Council Chairmen of diverting funds meant for teachers' salaries and welfare. This has led to a stalemate, with teachers refusing to return to work until their demands are met.
The meeting is expected to address the teachers' demands, including payment of salary arrears and implementation of the minimum wage. NANS has suspended its planned protest, awaiting the outcome of the meeting. The union's decision to suspend the protest is seen as a positive development, as it allows for a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
One of the key issues to be discussed is the Area Councils' financial management and alleged misappropriation of funds. NUT has expressed concerns that funds meant for teachers' salaries and welfare have been diverted for other purposes. The union is demanding that the Area Council Chairmen account for the funds and ensure that teachers are paid their salaries and allowances.
The outcome of the meeting will be eagerly awaited by teachers, students, and parents, who are all eager to see an end to the strike. If the meeting is successful, it could pave the way for the reopening of public primary schools in the FCT and a return to normalcy. The meeting is expected to find a solution to the ongoing dispute and ensure that teachers are paid their salaries and allowances.