The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has appealed to authorities to urgently resolve the ongoing teachers’ strike in the Federal Capital Territory.
CITAD, in a statement, said the closure of public schools since January 26, 2026, has denied thousands of children access to education, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
The organisation said the strike, involving the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the Joint Union Action Committee of the FCTA, has disrupted learning in primary and secondary schools across the territory.
It acknowledged that teachers have genuine grievances, including unpaid wage awards, promotion arrears, pension and housing fund deductions, and unpaid allowances.
According to CITAD, failure to address these issues has weakened teachers’ morale and affected service delivery.
However, the group warned that prolonged school closures have worsened learning gaps, especially for children without access to digital facilities.
It noted that many pupils in rural communities rely solely on public schools for education.
CITAD also expressed concern that continued disruption could expose children to social risks such as child labour and early marriage.
The organisation urged the FCTA leadership, JUAC, NUT, and federal authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue.
It called for interim solutions, including phased payments and emergency interventions, to enable teachers to resume duties.
CITAD further appealed to stakeholders to consider court interventions and pursue peaceful resolutions.
It stressed that education remains the foundation of national development and must not be compromised.