FCT Education Secretary Warns Nigeria Union of Teachers Over Potential West African School Certificate Examination Crisis

FCT Education Secretary Danlami Hayyo warns the NUT strike during WAEC examinations could lead to mass failure. Read the full report on the Abuja school crisis.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 21, 2026, 4:01 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from ThisDay

Industrial Action Threatens National Examination Schedule

The Mandate Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, Danlami Hayyo, has issued a stern warning to the Nigeria Union of Teachers regarding the timing of their current strike. Speaking during a school inspection in Abuja, Hayyo expressed deep concern that the industrial action coincides exactly with the start of the West African School Certificate Examinations. He emphasized that the strike could severely demoralize students who are prepared to sit for their papers, potentially compromising their psychological readiness for one of the most critical academic milestones in their lives.

Allegations of Forcible Eviction from Classrooms

During his assessment of local schools, the Secretary reported that while many teachers and students showed a high level of turnout and readiness for learning, union members reportedly intervened to disrupt the environment. Hayyo alleged that representatives of the teachers union have been forcibly removing students and willing educators from their classrooms. He condemned these actions as constitutionally questionable, arguing that it is fundamentally wrong for a union to use force to eject children who are eager to participate in their education.

The Risk of Academic Setbacks and Mass Failure

The Secretariat has raised the alarm regarding the irreversible nature of the West African Examinations Council calendar. Hayyo warned that if FCT students are unable to participate in the scheduled tests due to the strike, the council will not reschedule specific dates to accommodate the territory. This scenario creates a high risk of mass failure for the current cohort, as missing these national examinations effectively stalls the academic progress of thousands of youth. The Secretary questioned the union's commitment to the welfare of the children, given the high stakes involved in the current week.