The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) expressed deep concern over the ongoing industrial action by teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement on Friday, the centre said that public primary and secondary schools across the FCT, including those in rural and peri-urban communities, have remained shut.
The statement added that the strike has left thousands of children, particularly from vulnerable and marginalized backgrounds, without access to formal education, as children stayed at home for an extended period in 2025.
CITAD recognized the legitimate grievances of teachers and other FCTA workers, including unpaid wage awards, promotion arrears, non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund deductions, hazard and rural allowances, and other welfare entitlements.
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The statement reads, “These issues, if unresolved, undermine the morale and effectiveness of educators who are central to building an educated society.
“However, the prolonged closure of schools inflicts disproportionate harm on children in rural FCT communities, where alternative learning options are limited or non-existent. Many of these children already face barriers to digital literacy, access to online resources, and equitable educational opportunities.
“When classrooms remain empty, the digital divide widens further, future generations are denied foundational learning, and risks such as increased child labor, early marriage, and social vulnerabilities rise.
CITAD therefore called on all parties involved: the FCTA leadership (under the Honourable Minister), the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and relevant federal authorities to:
“Immediately prioritize dialogue and good-faith negotiations to resolve the outstanding welfare and entitlement issues without further delay.
” Explore interim measures, such as phased payments or emergency interventions, to enable teachers to return to classrooms while comprehensive agreements are finalized.
“Consider the best interests of children as paramount, ensuring that any industrial action does not indefinitely deny access to education, particularly in rural areas where public schools are often the only viable option.
“We urge the relevant stakeholders to heed the recent court interventions while pursuing amicable and sustainable resolutions. Education is the bedrock of empowerment. When teachers’ welfare fails, learning suffers, and society pays the price.”
