FCT ASUSS Rejects NUT Strike, Calls For Dialogue

The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, has rejected the indefinite strike declared by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing, and called for dialogue to resolve the issues behind the industrial action.

The State Public Relations Officer of ASUSS, Mr Cyril Ibiang, who stated this on behalf of the State Executive Council, said the union had reviewed the issues behind the strike and considered them largely administrative matters.

Ibiang said the issues included establishment vacancy rules, the ongoing alignment of promotional exercises and disciplinary measures against officers found to have violated existing regulations.

The union also said the issues “did not justify shutting down secondary schools or disrupting students’ academic activities”, adding that its position followed a review of the issues raised by the NUT and the possible effects of the strike on teachers and students.

It expressed support for legitimate demands for improved teachers’ welfare but said such demands should be pursued without compromising teachers’ career progression or students’ academic interests.

ASUSS raised particular concern over the timing of the strike, saying it could disrupt the 2026 Computer-Based Test (CBT) Promotion Examination scheduled for October. It stressed that teachers’ career advancement should not be compromised by the ongoing industrial dispute.

“Our advice to FCT teachers is to remain calm, continue their legitimate professional duties and prepare for the scheduled 2026 CBT Promotion Examination,” ASUSS said.

The union called for constructive engagement between labour organisations and the FCT Administration, including the FCT Minister, the FCT Civil Service Commission and other affected boards, to resolve the grievances.

“Dialogue remains the appropriate avenue for addressing legitimate concerns without disrupting teaching, learning and teachers’ professional development.”

The union also clarified that it operated under an independent organisational framework and registration, saying its members should remain focused on their professional responsibilities while efforts were made to resolve the dispute.

It urged teachers to remain calm and professional and appealed to the relevant authorities and labour organisations to pursue a peaceful resolution of the issues.