The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Abia State has suspended its planned indefinite strike following an emergency meeting with representatives of Gov. Alex Otti, held on Friday in Umuahia.
The union said the decision followed firm commitments by the state government to address key issues affecting teachers, including salary arrears, promotions, and the reinstatement of affected staff. As a result, public schools across the state are scheduled to reopen on Monday, January 12.
Announcing the suspension on Saturday, the Chairman of the union, Mr. Friday Madu, said the action was taken after the government agreed to implement a Memorandum of Action aimed at resolving long-standing concerns over job security, remuneration, promotions, and allowances. He added that the union would closely monitor the implementation of the agreed terms.
Mr. Madu explained that the union issued a seven-day ultimatum on January 5 due to unresolved grievances with the state government. He listed the key concerns as alleged irregularities surrounding the 65/40 years service elongation policy, as well as what he described as illegal disengagements, removal of teachers from the payroll, and unjust demotions.
He commended Gov. Otti for what he described as a “swift intervention,” noting that the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, convened the negotiations that culminated in the agreement.
According to Mr. Madu, the Memorandum of Action stipulates that all teachers affected by the 65/40 policy will be reinstated immediately and paid at least two months’ salary arrears. He added that teachers who scored 60 per cent and above will receive Grade Level 35 promotion letters for the 2022/2023 promotion exercise within the first week of resumption.
The agreement also provides for the payment of a 27.5 per cent Teachers’ Special Salary (TSS) allowance for primary school teachers, which will be reflected in their January 2026 salaries. In addition, minimum wage adjustments for senior secondary school teachers are to take effect from January 2026, with the arrears to be settled at a later date.
Mr. Madu further said that leave allowances will be paid once relevant specifications are ratified and identified anomalies resolved. He added that a committee has been established to harmonise salaries and running costs, including the payment of outstanding arrears owed to junior secondary and primary school teachers.
The NUT chairman said the union has complied with the state government’s directive for schools to resume on Monday, January 12, and urged teachers to remain law-abiding and dedicated to their duties while the government fulfils the terms of the agreement.
