Public schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been shut down in compliance with the nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and affiliate unions.
The compliance team, led by the Chairperson of the NLC FCT Chapter, Dr. Stephen Knabayi, visited government establishments, schools, banks, and other public facilities to monitor adherence.
Our correspondent observed that while there was total compliance in public schools in the nation’s capital, academic activities continued in private schools.
Some of the private schools operating in Lugbe, Abuja, include King’s Care Academy, Solid Rock International, and Focus Private Academy, among others.
It was also observed that some private institutions have already sent notices to parents, guardians, and teachers, declaring Thursday and Friday this week as mid term break.
One of the notices seen by our correspondent reads, “Dear parents, please be informed that the school will be observing MID-TERM break on Thursday and Friday, 6th and 7th June respectively. Hence, there will be no school.”
The development, it was gathered, may not be unconnected with the ongoing industrial action, as some private schools fear being picketed by labour unions in the coming days if the strike persists.
Some teachers who spoke to The Guardian expressed concerns that if private schools are shut down, they won’t be paid for those days.
“We are hoping that the matter won’t escalate and labour unions close down our school because if they do, our salary won’t be paid for the number of days it was closed. We would rather teach and get paid than join the nationwide strike and have our salaries deducted,” the teacher who confided in our reporter revealed.
In a telephone interview with our correspondent, Dr. Stephen Knabayi, Chairperson of the NLC FCT Chapter, said the union would ensure strict compliance with the industrial action. He noted he was in the middle of shutting down buildings in the nation’s capital.
“I am monitoring now. I don’t have time to discuss with you. I am with a very large number of people, shutting down, monitoring for compliance. You can hear from the background,” he said.
