Nigeria Union of Teachers protests FCT promotion restrictions

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) FCT wing has criticized the FCT Civil Service Commission for implementing a “vacancy precondition” for teacher promotions. The union argues that a recently released examination timetable indicates “No Vacancy” for education officers moving from Grade Level 14 to 17, which could effectively stagnate teachers at Level 14 regardless of their experience or qualifications. NUT FCT Publicity Secretary Ibikun Adekeye described the policy as an “assault” on the profession that could demoralize educators and harm the quality of education.

In response to allegations of teacher harassment, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has defended its recent administrative actions. An FCTA official stated that policies regarding redeployment and leadership changes at the FCT Secondary Education Board and Universal Basic Education Board are guided by existing civil service regulations and reforms rather than punitive measures. The administration noted that redeploying senior administrators to teaching roles is consistent with federal implementation circulars and the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act 2022, which aims to utilize experienced staff in classrooms.