The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has rejected allegations that it is harassing teachers, saying its recent administrative actions are based on civil service regulations and ongoing reforms in the territory’s education sector.
The administration was responding to an opinion article by U. Ndagi, titled “Letters: Wike, stop harassing FCT teachers”, published on September 19, 2026.
An FCTA official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the administration’s policies on redeployment, promotion and infrastructure were guided by existing laws and regulations rather than punitive measures against teachers.
On the redeployment of senior education administrators to teaching roles, the official cited Section II(e) of an implementation circular issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), which provides for their deployment as classroom teachers or quality assurance officers.
The official also referred to the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Act 2022, which extended the retirement age for teachers to 65 years or 40 years of service.
According to the official, the policy was intended to retain experienced teachers and deploy their expertise where it would have a direct impact on teaching and learning.
The official said administrative seniority did not exempt teachers from classroom responsibilities where such deployment was consistent with civil service regulations.
On recent leadership changes at the FCT Secondary Education Board (SEB) and Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), the official described them as routine administrative measures aimed at improving efficiency and compliance with regulations.
The official also said the FCTA was undertaking rehabilitation projects across the six area councils to address infrastructure deficiencies in schools.
On students’ performance in national examinations, including the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), the official said outcomes were influenced by several factors, including curriculum delivery, discipline and the quality of school facilities.
The official also defended the administration’s promotion policy, saying promotions in the public service must be based on established cadres, approved vacancies and available budgetary provisions.
According to the official, linking promotions to available vacancies was necessary to prevent distortions in the public service structure.
The development comes amid disagreements between the FCTA and some education-sector unions over promotion criteria, redeployment of senior education personnel and other administrative issues.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Council, in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing, has threatened industrial action over some of the issues.
In correspondence signed by NUT FCT Chairman Comrade Abdullahi M. Shafa and Secretary Comrade Margaret F. Jethro, the union opposed the redeployment of senior directors to classroom positions, saying the policy could affect staff morale and administrative continuity.
The unions are also demanding the removal of the vacancy requirement for promotions, the reinstatement of teachers considered eligible for promotion in 2025 and a halt to the redeployment of senior education officials to classrooms.
NLC FCT Council Chairman Comrade Knabayi S. Adalo said workers could embark on an indefinite strike if the demands were not addressed within the stipulated period.
However, the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), FCT Chapter, an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has distanced itself from the planned industrial action.
ASUSS said it recognised the FCTA’s authority to deploy personnel and maintained that promotions in the public service should be tied to established vacancies and available resources.
The differing positions have added to the uncertainty surrounding the planned industrial action as stakeholders in the FCT education sector await further engagement between the administration and the unions.
