After weeks of huffing and puffing on both sides of the divide, the disagreement between the Kaduna State government and its teachers appear resolved, for now.
The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has called off its 10 days old strike, accepting a middle ground where over 21,000 sacked primary school teachers in public schools will be re-absorbed into the classrooms after meeting some conditions.
A statement signed by Chairman of the Kaduna NUT, Titus Ambah; and the Assistant Secretary of the union, Adamu Ango, after an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council (SWEC) issued a statement calling off the strike.
The teachers were sent packing late last year after failing Primary Four exams set for them by government. A crisis ensued leading to strike 10 days ago
The NUT statement Thursday said, “The State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) of NUT Kaduna commends the above decision of the governor and sees in it an opportunity to resolve the impasse between the teachers in Kaduna State and the state government; the end results of which will be an improvement in service delivery in our public schools.
“In the light of the above, SWEC unanimously resolved to reciprocate the gesture of the Kaduna State government by calling off with immediate effect the indefinite strike embarked upon by teachers in the public schools and secondary schools in Kaduna State.
“SWEC hereby extends its hand of fellowship to the Kaduna State government and implore it to always engage the NUT in all matters relating to the implementation of service delivery in the education sector and teachers’ welfare”.
The union applauded its members for remaining united while the disagreement lasted, and praised the Nigeria Labour Congress and others for their solidarity.