Hon. Joshua Chinedu Obika, Member representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has unequivocally condemned the ongoing strike action by Local Education Authority (LEA) primary school teachers in the FCT.
Speaking at a press briefing with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Chapter, Hon. Obika described the strike as detrimental to the educational development of children in the nation’s capital.
He emphasized the urgent need to resolve the underlying challenges facing primary education in the FCT, including inadequate infrastructure and systemic dysfunctionality.
Highlighting the constitutional mandate, Hon. Obika referenced Section 299 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which stipulates that the FCT should be administered as if it were a state. He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize education and healthcare in the FCT, leveraging its unique status under the Presidency.
He further urged the President to direct the FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike to ensure the immediate resumption of academic activities.
Education is the bedrock of national development. We cannot afford to let our children bear the brunt of systemic failures, stated Hon. Obika. “The FCT Administration must act decisively to restore normalcy in our primary schools.
To address the crisis, Hon. Obika outlined key interventions: Increased funding for school infrastructure development, Recruitment of qualified teachers to address staffing shortages, Improved welfare packages for educators to boost morale, Enhanced healthcare facilities to support community well-being, Strategic collaboration with stakeholders, including the media, to drive sustainable change.
Hon. Obika reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for education and healthcare as critical pillars for the FCT’s development, urging all stakeholders to unite in addressing these pressing issues.
Obika Media Team
