The Abia State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has threatened to embark on an indefinite strike from Thursday over the alleged failure of the state government to meet its longstanding demands.
This was disclosed in a statement jointly signed by the union’s chairman, Mr. Friday Madu, and secretary, Mrs. Nnenna Okonkwo, and made available to journalists on Sunday in Umuahia.
According to the statement, public primary and secondary school teachers in the state have been directed to commence strike action on Thursday, following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the government.
Madu stated that despite the union’s 14-day notice and the submission of a formal communiqué on 28 March, the government had yet to address key demands, including the implementation of the minimum wage and the Teachers’ Salary Structure (TSS) in the March salary payment.
He noted that while other professional groups such as medical workers and judiciary staff received their respective special salary structures in March, teachers were left out.
Madu also criticised the continued retirement of teachers by the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), despite Governor Alex Otti’s approval of a 65-year retirement age and a 40-year service extension.
“Promotions are released haphazardly without proper coordination. Other issues outlined in our communiqué of 5 March also remain unresolved,” he said.
The union further demanded the payment of outstanding salary arrears owed to teachers in basic schools, noting that their counterparts under the Secondary Education Management Board (SEMB) had begun receiving part payments.
“It is only fair that Basic School teachers are equally considered,” the statement added.
