FCT Teachers Protest Delayed Career Advancement, Demand Promotions

Members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Wing, numbering in their scores, took to the streets on Monday. Their demonstration, held at the Open University, Dutse-Alhaji, on the Kubwa Expressway in Abuja, was triggered by extensive holdups in their promotions and overall career advancement.

The displeased educators voiced profound frustration, citing what they termed as bureaucratic obstacles that have continuously hampered their professional growth. Outside the university premises, the teachers assembled, displaying various placards as they called for the swift completion of the outstanding 2024 promotion process.

A major point of contention for the demonstrators was their rejection of the 'vacancy rule,' a policy they claim civil service authorities have leveraged to block their career advancement, even after they have fulfilled all necessary promotion criteria and successfully passed qualifying assessments. Among the signs displayed, one prominently stated, "Complete the 2024 promotion exercise now." Other messages included "Teachers are not pool staff" and "Our services count, not empty chairs," reflecting their grievances.

Leaders of the union highlighted that hundreds of eligible teachers have been stuck on the same grade level for an extended period, a direct consequence of the sluggish promotion system. This stagnation, they asserted, has significantly dampened morale within public schools throughout the Federal Capital Territory.

The NUT FCT Wing's specific demands include the prompt issuance of all pending 2024 promotion letters, the complete financial backing for these promotions, and the settlement of all outstanding entitlements owed to their members. The educators have pledged to continue their picketing actions and initiate a withdrawal of services until the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and other pertinent civil service bodies fully address their demands.