Abia Teachers May Go On Strike As Schools Resume Monday

The Nigeria Union of Teachers , Abia State chapter, has asked teachers in the state to await directives on its planned strike .

In a release signed by the Chairman, Kizito Kalu, and the Secretary , Mrs Nnenna Okonkwo, the union said its plan to embark on strike was because the state government failed to meet its demands.

It could be recalled that the NUT national leadership in a letter dated December 2, 2020 , gave the Abia State Government 21 days ultimatum to clear the salary arrears of her members among other demands, or risk indefinite closure of schools.

However, in its recent meeting held to review the situation, the union observed among others “that up -to – date information shows that there is no invitation from the state government to meet and agree on our demands. ”

They pointed out that the three months ’ salary payment by the state government in December , 2020, out of 15 months arrears, was insignificant .

The union noted that junior secondary school teachers were still being owed 11 months , while primary school teachers are also owed arrears of three months , among other demands from the union.

The state governor had last week approved the resumption of all public and private nursery, primary and secondary schools in Abia State for the continuation of the First Term of 2020/2021 on Monday January 11, 2021.

Commissioner for Education, Dr Kanelechi C.K Nwangwa, said in a release that all school heads and proprietors should ensure that all the COVID-19 guidelines already put in place are strictly maintained and observed.

The release directed that the First Term, 2020/2021 will now officially end on Wednesday February 10, 2021 so as to ensure that the term runs a full course as expected.