Abia Teachers Back Down on Strike After Parley with Government

Academic activities in public schools across Abia State will continue as scheduled after the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Abia State chapter, suspended its planned indefinite strike following negotiations with the state government.

The decision came after a two-day technical meeting between the union and the Acting Secretary to the Abia State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, convened at the directive of Governor Alex Otti.

The outcome of the talks was made public on Friday in a statement jointly signed by the NUT state chairman, Madu Friday, and the state secretary, Mrs Nnenna Okonkwo.

The union had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum on January 5, 2026, warning of an impending strike over unresolved welfare concerns affecting teachers in the state.

However, intervention by the state government led to renewed dialogue and the signing of a Memorandum of Action outlining key commitments.

According to the statement, the agreements reached include the immediate reinstatement of teachers affected by the service elongation policy and payment of at least two months’ salary, prompt issuance of promotion letters for qualified teachers, and the inclusion of Teachers Salary Structure (TSS) for primary school teachers in the January 2026 salary.

The statement read, “All successful teachers on the service elongation policy of 65/40 years should be reinstated immediately and paid at least two months’ salary to demonstrate the government’s commitment.

“Immediate issuance of Gen.35 for the 2022/2023 promotion to teachers who scored 60 per cent and above within the first week of schools’ resumption. These are to be collected from the various LGEAs.

“Inclusion of TSS, amounting to 27.5 per cent of basic salary, for primary school teachers will reflect in the January 2026 salary.

“Minimum wage and consequential adjustment for senior secondary school teachers will be reflected in the January 2026 salary, with arrears paid subsequently.

“Leave allowances will be paid once the required specifications and identified anomalies are ratified.

“Due to the complexity observed in issues relating to salary arrears for JSS and primary school teachers, salary harmonisation and running costs, a committee has been set up to resolve the issues within seven working days.”

Following the negotiations, the union’s State Working Committee met in emergency session and agreed to suspend the ultimatum to allow the government time to act on the resolutions.

Friday noted that the union was satisfied with the level of engagement and acknowledged the role of the governor and key officials in addressing the concerns raised.

“On that note, the NUT wishes to appreciate our teacher-friendly governor for his swift intervention. The union also extends its unalloyed gratitude to the acting SSG, who exhibited his prowess in resolving the lingering issues,” the statement said.

The union also commended the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Labour Matters, and the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education for their support.

As part of the resolution, the NUT confirmed that schools across the state will reopen as directed.

“The union therefore upholds the resumption of schools on Monday, January 12, 2026, as directed by the state government. Teachers are encouraged to continue to be law-abiding and committed in the discharge of their duties,” the statement added.