VeryDarkMan Leads Children in Symbolic Protest at FCT Minister’s Residence Over Teachers’ Strike
Outspoken social media activist, VeryDarkMan (VDM), staged a dramatic protest on Sunday at the gate of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister’s residence in Abuja, drawing attention to the ongoing teachers’ strike that has paralyzed public primary education for over nine weeks.
In a bold and symbolic act, VDM gathered schoolchildren dressed in uniform and conducted a mock classroom session right outside the minister’s home.
With a microphone in hand, he taught the children the English alphabet using political references such as, “T for Tinubu, W for Wike,” prompting the children to repeat after him.
The protest, which quickly gained traction on social media, was designed to highlight the plight of thousands of children left idle due to the prolonged strike by the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in the FCT.
The strike, which began in late March, is driven by demands for the implementation of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage for teachers, improved working conditions, and better infrastructure in public schools.
Banners held by the children and protesters bore messages such as, “Tell Us Leaders of Tomorrow While You’re Stopping Our School for 9 Weeks,” criticizing the government’s delay in resolving the crisis.
VDM’s demonstration has received widespread attention online, with many Nigerians praising the creativity and urgency of the protest. Critics of the FCT administration, led by Minister Nyesom Wike, argue that the government has shown a lack of empathy toward public school children, who have been out of classrooms for over two months.
Despite the public outcry, there has been no official response yet from the FCT Ministry.
However, negotiations between the government and the teachers’ union are reportedly ongoing.
VDM, known for his direct activism and controversial commentary, stated that he would continue using his platform to pressure public officials into prioritizing education and youth development.
