FCT students preparing to sit the West African Examinations Council examinations face disruption after the Nigeria Union of Teachers, FCT Wing, launched an indefinite strike on Monday over unresolved welfare demands, prompting an urgent appeal from the FCT Education Secretariat to suspend the action.

Dr Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, appealed during an inspection tour of schools in the territory on Monday, describing the timing of the strike as "psychologically demoralising" for students scheduled to begin WAEC examinations the following day.

Hayyo expressed alarm over reports that union members were forcibly removing students and teachers from classrooms, warning that the consequences could be severe.

"I don't think it is constitutionally right for the NUT to come and chase students out of the classrooms. How can you expect your sons and daughters to write exams tomorrow when you are chasing them out today? This could lead to mass failure, and WAEC will not reschedule the examinations for FCT students alone," Hayyo warned.

The Mandate Secretary noted that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had renovated 100 schools and paid 40% of teacher entitlements in 2025, and maintained that the bulk of the union's outstanding grievances fall under the jurisdiction of Local Education Authorities and Area Council Chairmen rather than the FCT Administration.

The NUT acknowledged Wike's implementation of the N70,000 Minimum Wage and payment of nine months of arrears to primary school teachers, but pointed to several unresolved demands. These include the non implementation of a 25% and 35% salary increment and the non payment of a 40% peculiar allowance.

The union also disclosed that a committee constituted by the Minister on 7 July 2025, with a two week mandate to harmonise all outstanding entitlements, submitted its report in August 2025. That report has not been made public.

Hayyo urged union leaders to return to the negotiation table, cautioning against the long term consequences of discouraging students from education.

"I am tired of this strike. If we continue to discourage these children now, they will retaliate when they become the leaders of tomorrow. I appeal to the NUT to set aside these interests and prioritise the future of our students," Hayyo stated.