The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Ebonyi State has declared an indefinite strike in seven local government areas due to the non-payment of four months’ salaries to some teachers.
In a statement released by NUT Secretary, Bassey Asuquo, the affected local government areas were listed as Ebonyi, Edda, Ezza South, Ezza North, Ivo, Ishielu, and Ohaukwu.
“Sequel to our earlier notice on mobilisation for industrial strike action, we have thoroughly reviewed the compliance of local government chairmen regarding the clearance of our members’ salaries.
“As of the close of work on February 5, 2025, we acknowledge that certain local government areas have cleared the salaries of our members.
“However, we regret to inform you that several local government chairmen have failed to clear the backlog of our members’ outstanding salaries.
“In response to this non-compliance, we hereby declare an indefinite strike in the following local government areas: Edda, Ebonyi, Ezza South, Ezza North, Ishielu, Ivo, and Ohaukwu,” the statement read.
The NUT directed its state and branch officers in the affected local government areas to strictly enforce the strike from midnight on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
“We call on all members to remain steadfast and continue their support for the strike action. This includes organising and maintaining solidarity picket lines and monitoring compliance across the affected localities.”
Meanwhile, it was gathered that students who went to school on Thursday were reportedly sent home by union leaders and teachers.
In a chat with reporters in Abakaliki, the state capital, late Thursday evening, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Paul Nwobasi, stated that he summoned a meeting with the affected local government chairmen and union executives to resolve the matter.
He hinted that all efforts to reach NUT members were unsuccessful, as he has rescheduled another meeting with the union for Friday, February 7, 2025, at 10 am.
“In a swift action, we went around the schools and summoned a meeting with the local government chairmen and other relevant unions and boards involved; unfortunately, NUT did not honour the meeting.
“We have rescheduled another meeting with NUT tomorrow, Friday, February 7, 2025, and other union executives to resolve the matter because they have not made their grievances known to the Ministry of Education,” he said.
