From Victor Osula, Abuja
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to embark on a mass protest on Wednesday, July 2, over the continued closure of public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), resulting from an unresolved strike by teachers.
The FCT chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) commenced an industrial action in March 2025 to protest the non-payment of the approved N70,000 minimum wage.
NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, on Monday expressed deep concern over the prolonged closure, describing the situation as “unacceptable” and a gross violation of the rights of children to basic education.
“Despite multiple appeals, correspondences, and calls for constructive dialogue with the relevant authorities, no meaningful steps have been taken to resolve the impasse or reopen the affected schools,” Oladoja stated.
He accused the FCT Administration of “deliberate negligence and disregard” for the educational future of the Nigerian child, noting that the closure disproportionately affects children from low-income families.
The student body had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to the FCT Administration, demanding urgent resolution of the crisis or face widespread student-led protests.
“In response, the national leadership of NANS hereby issues a final call to action and announces a mass protest to demand the immediate reopening of all closed public primary schools in the FCT,” Oladoja declared.
He disclosed that protesters will gather at the FCT Administration Secretariat in Area 11, Garki, Abuja, by 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Participants will wear black as a symbol of mourning for what NANS described as the “death of basic education” in the territory.
Oladoja further directed all NANS structures across the FCT and neighbouring states—Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna—to commence full mobilisation of students, civil society organisations, and education rights advocates for the protest.
He also tasked the association’s Zone A and Zone C leadership with coordinating widespread participation, adding that the protest goes beyond education.
“This protest is not just about education—it is a fight for justice, equality, and the soul of Nigeria’s future,” he said.
