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FCT primary Teachers Resume Strike over Unresolved Welfare Concerns  

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The Federal Capital Territory Wing of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) on Wednesday, resumed industrial action over unresolved welfare issues between it and the six area councils of the territory.

The union declared the strike in a communique signed by its Chairman, Mr Abdullahi Shafa, State Secretary, Mrs Margaret Jethro, and State Publicity Secretary, Ibukun Adekeye.

The strike is a continuation of earlier ones suspended by the union in October 2023 and in January 2024.

The union, in the communiqué issued in Abuja, explained that the action was the outcome of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting held on Tuesday.

It added that the SWEC had deliberated on the 14-day ultimatum given to the area councils’ chairmen to pay the teachers their entitlements.

The ultimatum expired on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

“The SWEC, therefore, resolved and directed primary school teachers in the FCT to resume the suspended strike action with effect from Wednesday, Sept. 18.

“All public primary schools in FCT should remain closed and parents are hereby advised to remain guided by this development until the union’s demands are met.

“We appeal to all teachers to remain calm and disregard any counter directives except as directed by the union,” it added.

The union identified one of the unresolved issues as non-payment of 60 per cent of the 25 months old minimum wage areas.

Other issues included non-implementation and payment of 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increase, and non-implementation and payment of 40 per cent peculiar allowance.

The union is also demanding the payment of the N35,000 wage award arrears and the implementation of the template on outstanding entitlements of teachers as agreed in 2022.

The FCT Minister had intervened and promised to pay 40 per cent of the outstanding 25 months minimum wage arrears.

As part of the resolution for suspending the strike, the six area councils were expected to pay the remaining 60 per cent of the minimum wage arrears.

The teachers acknowledged and applauded Wike for redeeming the 40 per cent pledge, and frowned at the area councils’ chairmen for failing to fulfill their part of the agreement.

Reacting to the development, Dr Hassan Sule, acting Chairman, FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT-UBEB), appealed to the NUT to suspend the strike.

Sule said that discussion with the chairmen of the area councils was ongoing to resolve the issues. (NAN)

Education

Alausa to Engage Stakeholders on Proposed 12-year Basic Education Structure

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The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has promised to engage stakeholders over the proposed 12-year basic education structure.

Alausa disclosed this during a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

The minister had earlier presented a proposal aimed at transitioning to 12 years of compulsory education within the existing 6-3-3-4 system at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council on Education (NCE) meeting.

He explained that the proposal was for discussion and not an immediate policy shift.

Alausa added that a major feature of the proposal was the removal of the examination barrier between the Junior Secondary School (JSS) and the Senior Secondary School (SSS).

He said that the proposal would allow students to progress seamlessly without the need for external assessments at that stage.

The minister said the proposal was, however, still under consultation, and its implementation depended on further deliberation.

According to him, over the next eight months, the ministry will engage in extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including policymakers, state governments, teachers, parents, and others.

Alausa noted that a final decision would be made at the National Council on Education Meeting in October 2025.

The goal of this, he said, was to emulate global best practices in countries like the U.S., the UK, and Ghana, where 12 years of education are made compulsory, leading to improved educational outcomes.

The minister also said that the government was committed to ensuring that the new policy does not disrupt the educational system.

“What we’re saying is that we need to move from what we have now as nine years of compulsory education to 12 years of compulsory education as is obtainable in other parts of the world.

“If you look back into the history of Nigeria, 30 years ago, people that went for primary education got up to standard six.

“If you compare that level of education, the level of instruction, even the standard three then, it’s much better than what we get in JSS three now.

“Today, our quality of instruction and education is falling.

“If we let these kids continue to graduate, if we tell these children that they only have nine years of compulsory education, we’re literally just training illiterates. We’re not preparing them for the future,” he said.

Alausa stated, however, that efforts to improve funding was in top gear, especially for early childhood education.

He added that efforts to strengthen the quality of public schools to equip students with the skills necessary for success in life, whether in further education or the workforce, had been put in place. (NAN)

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Hon. High Chief Canice Moore Nwachukwu’s Zonal Intervention Project Empowers Over 350 Women and Youth in Orlu LGA with Skill-Up Bootcamp in Orlu

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As part of his commitment to empowering his constituents through zonal intervention projects, Hon.

High Chief Canice Moore Nwachukwu, the Member representing Orlu, Orsu, and Oru East Federal Constituency, initiated a three-day Skill-Up Bootcamp from January 29 to February 1, 2025.
The event, held in Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State, trained over 350 women and youth in a variety of entrepreneurial skills.
The bootcamp featured hands-on training in soap making, perfume production, disinfectant formulation, and barbing.
Certified trainers provided practical knowledge and business management insights, ensuring that participants acquired skills that can be directly applied to launching and managing their own ventures.
To further support these emerging entrepreneurs, the organizers distributed startup kits and cash grants of twenty thousand naira to each participant. In addition, participants received certificates of completion and were registered with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to enhance their business credentials.

Hon. High Chief Canice Moore Nwachukwu, the Member representing Orlu, Orsu, and Oru East Federal Constituency, spoke during the closing remarks and commended the organizers for their commitment to empowering women and youth. He stated, “This initiative is a testament to our collective dedication to uplifting our communities by providing valuable skills and resources to our women and youth.”

Ambassador Kenneth Anetor, the project consultant, played a pivotal role in coordinating the program and hosting key dignitaries. Reflecting on the initiative, Ambassador Anetor remarked, “This program aims to equip our participants with the skills and resources necessary for financial independence. We are proud to witness the enthusiasm and determination of everyone involved.”

The Chairman of Orlu Local Government Area also expressed his appreciation for the program, noting its positive impact on the community and the potential for sustainable development.

One participant shared, “This program has changed my life. I now have the skills and tools to start my own business and support my family.”

The organizers expressed their sincere gratitude to all partners, facilitators, and dignitaries for their support in making the bootcamp a resounding success. They remain committed to launching further initiatives that empower local communities and foster sustainable development.

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Education

UBEC Boss Meets Ribadu on School Safety, Access

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The Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, has met with the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to discuss initiatives aimed at enhancing the country’s educational access and security.

A statement on Sunday in Abuja by David Apeh, UBEC’s Head of Public Relations and Protocol,said the meeting focused on strategies to address challenges in the education sector.

Apeh quoted Garba to have said that the meeting was aimed at addressing the safety of schools, particularly in vulnerable regions and the promotion of equitable education for all children.

According to her, the meeting highlighted the critical intersection between education and national security and the need for collaboration between UBEC and Office of the National Security Adviser.

This, she said, was geared toward improving access to basic education and safety of schools across the nation.

“This collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive learning environment as part of its broader agenda to strengthen the nation’s educational framework,” she said.

The UBEC boss pledged to engage critical stakeholders to break down barriers to education and create inclusive learning opportunities for children across the six geopolitical regions of the country.

“My goal is to deliver on this mandate which includes strengthening collaboration, partnerships and institutional learning for effective service delivery.

“Together, we will work to increase access, improve quality, provide conducive and safe learning environments, supply adequate teaching and learning materials” she said.

She added that the commission was determined to adopt the concept of ‘best fit’ in addressing specific basic education challenges across the country. (NAN)

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