The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) commenced an indefinite strike this morning, June 3, 2024, following the Government’s failure to meet their minimum wage demands. The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) is among the many unions complying with the NLC and TUC strike directive. The NUT consists of teachers at both primary and post-primary levels.
Often, we neglect the effects of the NLC strike on primary school pupils and instead focus on its impact on tertiary students, the health sector, and power supply. The basic education of a child is pivotal as it is the foundation upon which other educational achievements are built. With this in mind, the ongoing strike is disrupting the educational flow for the pupils, thereby raising concerns about the quality of education they will be receiving.
Furthermore, not knowing how long the strike will last compounds the matter and raises several questions:
- Will the teachers still follow the academic calendar, or will the calendar be adjusted?
- Will they adhere to the curriculum, or will it be cut short?
- If the curriculum is not followed, will that not reduce the quality of education they receive?
- Will it affect them later as they pursue higher educational qualifications?
- What will be the performance of these pupils when they return from a sudden break from academic work?
- Will they be able to pick up easily from where they left off?
- If the strike continues for a long time, will it not lead to prolonged years in school?
Given that the NLC strike is a strategy used to press for better conditions for its workers nationwide, its aftermath cannot be overlooked or ignored. In line with this, it is necessary and important for the government to consider their demands and reach an agreement as soon as possible because the immediate and ripple effects will be detrimental to the country.
**Okocha Chidinma Josephine Interns with News Central Production Department