Abia teachers begin strike on Thursday

Teachers across Abia State are set to commence an indefinite strike on Thursday, April 24, over unpaid salaries and unresolved grievances with the state government led by Governor Alex Otti.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Abia State Chapter, announced the industrial action following a series of ignored demands and expired ultimatums. In a communiqué signed by State Chairman, C. Madu Friday, and Secretary, Mrs. Nnenna Okonkwo, the union expressed disappointment in the government’s handling of their welfare.

“Following the trend of unpalatable events that have been unfolding since our last communiqué of March 5, 2025, to His Excellency and other education stakeholders in the state, the State Standing Committee met to re-examine how far the government has gone in addressing the union’s demands but was shocked that no positive attention has been given in that regard,” the union said.

Among the key issues raised are the exclusion of teachers from the minimum wage and the Teachers’ Salary Structure in the March 2025 salary, continued retirements by ASUBEB despite approval of the 65 years/40 years service extension, non-payment of arrears to basic school teachers, and haphazard promotions.

“The Leaders-in-Session further observed that the March 2025 salary excluded both the minimum wage and the Teachers’ Salary Structure, while other unions with special salary arrangements, such as the Medical and Health Workers Union and the judiciary, were paid using their special structures in March,” the communiqué added.

“Teachers are still being retired by ASUBEB, despite His Excellency’s approval of the 65 years/40 years service extension. Promotions are released haphazardly without coordination, among other issues detailed in our communiqué of 5th March 2025, as attached,” it continued.

The union also lamented the failure to pay arrears owed to teachers in basic schools, noting that their colleagues in SEMB have begun receiving partial payments.

“Non-payment of arrears to teachers in basic schools remains part of the problem. Since their colleagues in SEMB have started receiving parts of their arrears, it would be justifiable for basic school teachers to be considered as well,” the NUT stated.

The union described the state government’s actions as “stringent measures on teachers,” and issued a stern warning about the possible fallout.

“We frown at such stringent measures on teachers and hereby resolve that a 14-day ultimatum be given to the government for these issues to be resolved amicably. Otherwise, the union may no longer be able to guarantee members’ unalloyed service to their employer—the government—for a worker deserves better conditions of service,” it warned.

Appealing to Governor Otti, the union said: “It is our fervent hope that he will not allow the situation teachers have found themselves in to degenerate further.”

When contacted, the NUT State Chairman, Friday, confirmed that the strike will begin as scheduled. “Our 14-day ultimatum with a communiqué by the State Executive Council was submitted to all concerned government authorities on Friday, 28/03/2025, which elapsed on 11/04/2025, and the seven-day notice served on Wednesday, 16/04/2025 will end on Wednesday, 23/04/2025,” he said.

“The strike action is expected to begin on Thursday, 24/04/2025.”