Teachers To Commence Strike On Thursday, April 24 Over Unpaid Salaries

The Nigeria Union of Teachers’ Abia State Standing Committee has decided to go on strike on Thursday in protest of what they called “stringent measures on teachers” implemented by state governor Alex Otti.

This decision comes after discussions at a meeting of the Abia State Standing Committee on March 28 and an expanded gathering of NUT representatives from the national, state, and branch levels on Tuesday, March 4.

A 14-day ultimatum and a second seven-day notice to Governor Otti requesting an immediate resolution of the issues addressed or face industrial action preceded the strike.

“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 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.

“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.

“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 union added: “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.”

They appealed to Governor Otti, stating, “It is our fervent hope that he will not allow the situation teachers have found themselves in to degenerate further.”

When contacted, the State Chairman, Friday, said: “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.

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

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