Teachers in Abia State have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike within seven days if the state government fails to address their welfare demands.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) issued the ultimatum on Monday in Abia. The notice was signed by the state Chairman, Mr. Friday Madu, and the Secretary, Mrs. Nnenna Okonkwo.
The union said the ultimatum followed the government’s failure to act on issues raised in a communiqué dated December 19, 2025, warning that the continued delay could jeopardise industrial harmony in the education sector.
In the notice, the NUT said teachers had become increasingly frustrated by what it described as the persistent neglect of their welfare by relevant government authorities, despite previous engagements and assurances.
Among the key demands is the resolution of alleged irregularities arising from the 65/40 years service elongation policy. The union said the policy has resulted in the illegal disengagement of some teachers, the removal of others from the payroll, and the demotion of several head teachers.
The NUT also demanded the payment of outstanding salary arrears owed to primary and junior secondary school teachers, as well as the reinstatement of the 27.5 per cent Teachers’ Special Salary Structure for primary school teachers.
Other demands include salary harmonisation for teachers on the same grade level, the implementation of consequential minimum wage adjustments for secondary school teachers, the release of approved running costs for head teachers, and the payment of outstanding leave allowances.
The union further called for the correction of what it described as the wrongful remittance of NUT dues to the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions. It also demanded the cancellation of the proposed Computer-Based Test format for promotion interviews.
The NUT warned that failure by the government to meet these demands before the expiration of the ultimatum would leave it with no option but to direct its members to commence an indefinite strike across the state.
