The Abia State Standing Committee of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has announced plans to commence a statewide strike on Thursday, April 24, 2025, citing unpaid salaries, poor welfare, and what they describe as “stringent measures” imposed on teachers by Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
The decision follows extensive deliberations during an enlarged meeting of NUT representatives on March 4, 2025, and a subsequent meeting of the State Standing Committee on March 28. The union issued a 14-day ultimatum to the state government on March 28, which expired on April 11, followed by a seven-day notice served on April 16, set to lapse on April 23.
In a communiqué signed by State Chairman C. Madu Friday and State Secretary Mrs. Nnenna Okonkwo, the NUT expressed frustration over the government’s failure to address their demands. Key grievances include the exclusion of the minimum wage and Teachers’ Salary Structure from the March 2025 salary payments, while other unions, such as the Medical and Health Workers Union and judiciary, received payments based on their special salary structures.
The union also highlighted the continued retirement of teachers by the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), despite Governor Otti’s approval of a 65-year age or 40-year service extension. Additional concerns include uncoordinated promotion releases and the non-payment of salary arrears to basic school teachers, even as their counterparts in the Secondary Education Management Board (SEMB) have begun receiving partial arrears.
“We frown at such stringent measures on teachers,” the communiqué stated, warning that failure to resolve these issues amicably would disrupt teachers’ services to the government. The union appealed to Governor Otti to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
When contacted, State Chairman Friday confirmed that the 14-day ultimatum was submitted to relevant authorities on March 28, followed by the seven-day notice on April 16. “The strike action is expected to begin on Thursday, April 24, 2025,” he affirmed.
