Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have made emotional appeals to their teachers, asking them to end their ongoing strike that has kept pupils out of classrooms for more than two months.
The pupils, who shared their concerns during the 2025 Children’s Day celebration in Abuja, expressed sadness and frustration over the continued closure of public schools in all six area councils of the FCT.
The strike, which began in March, was initiated by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE). Both unions are demanding the payment of the new N70,000 minimum wage promised by the government.
Since the strike began, learning has been at a standstill in public schools, leaving many children without access to education.
Blessing Adamu, a 10-year-old in primary four at LEA 2, Primary School in Bwari, told PUNCH that the long break from school has disrupted their learning and daily routines.
“I am not happy that I have been at home for this long.
My friends in the private schools are going to school, and I am staying at home to help my mummy with her business and chores,” she said.
Another pupil, Jonah Mathias, said the long wait is affecting both his mind and body.
“I am missing both physical and intellectual exercises in school,” he said.
The children are asking the government and the teachers to resolve their issues quickly so that they can go back to school. Many feel left behind as private school students continue to learn and grow while they remain idle at home.
Esther Bwaya, also affected by the strike, said it is painful to watch others go to school daily while public school pupils are left behind.
“We appeal to the government to look into this matter as a special Children’s Day gift to FCT children because we really want to return to school,” she said.
Parents are also worried. Mrs. Raabi Sumaila, a mother of five, said the strike is affecting not just the children’s education but also healthcare services.
“We are begging the FCT administration to put an end to this strike. We have suffered too much, our children are still at home, and we cannot have access to healthcare services at the health centres,” she said.
Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in FCT, Mr. Danladi Chiya, also urged the unions to think of the children and return to work.
He noted that the strike is causing serious damage to the community, especially the younger generation.
