The Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria, HRJN has expressed deep concern over the prolonged closure of public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory, which has passed its 100th day.
The ongoing teachers’ strike has forced more than 400 schools to shut their doors, leaving an estimated 50,000 pupils without access to basic education.
HRJN described the situation as not just an administrative breakdown but a national ethical crisis. The organization warned that every day children remain out of the classroom hampers their cognitive development, social growth, and long-term wellbeing.
The group highlighted that the impact is especially severe on vulnerable, low-income families who depend on public education. For these communities, the strike is deepening existing inequalities and entrenching systemic social injustice.
While the FCT Administration has stated that teacher salaries are the responsibility of local area councils, it has made efforts to address the crisis. These include a proposed bailout to cover a significant portion of the salary arrears and withholding internally generated revenue from the councils. Nonetheless, the dispute remains unresolved, and the strike continues.
HRJN commended the mediation efforts being led by the Federal Ministry of Education and the FCT authorities. It called for continued dialogue between all stakeholders including teachers’ unions, student representatives, and council chairmen to ensure a fair and timely resolution.
The organization emphasized that the right to education is guaranteed by both the Nigerian Constitution and international conventions to which the country is a signatory. It stressed that financial or bureaucratic issues must never be allowed to deprive children of their lawful access to foundational learning.
In a concluding statement, HRJN urged the FCT Administration, the Federal Ministry of Education, area councils, and unions to place the welfare of pupils above all other interests.
It also called for a clear, enforceable plan to return children to school and for structural reforms that guarantee salary stability and uninterrupted education in the future.
“The children of Abuja cannot wait,” the statement read.