The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a blistering condemnation of the ongoing teachers’ strike in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), describing the situation as a direct consequence of what it termed the “insensitive, arrogant, and anti-worker disposition” of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, towards the welfare of staff under his supervision.

HURIWA stated that it is both shocking and unacceptable that in Nigeria’s capital city—one of the most expensive urban centres in Africa—over 98 percent of public sector workers, particularly teachers, continue to earn wages that are grossly inadequate and disconnected from economic realities.

The association expressed outrage that while teachers who shape the intellectual and moral foundation of society are left impoverished, the FCT Administration appears more preoccupied with “cosmetic infrastructure projects such as flyovers and highways,” which it described as “politically convenient but socially disconnected from the urgent needs of the people.”

According to HURIWA in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, governance must not be reduced to “concrete and asphalt politics” at the expense of human capital development.

“Sovereignty belongs to the Nigerian people—not to appointed officials. Those who occupy public office derive their legitimacy from the people and must act in their interest, not in contempt of their welfare,” HURIWA declared.

“YOU CAN’T BUILD FLYOVERS ON BROKEN CLASSROOMS”

HURIWA accused the Minister of repeatedly making statements that suggest a troubling preference for infrastructure expansion over staff welfare, warning that such a mindset is dangerous and unsustainable.

The group stressed that no society can achieve meaningful development when its teachers—the very backbone of education—are neglected, demoralised, and pushed into industrial action.

“You cannot build flyovers over a collapsing education system. You cannot pave roads into a future where children are locked out of classrooms because their teachers are unpaid,” the statement added.

DOUBLE STANDARDS, ELITE PRIVILEGE, AND MORAL FAILURE

In a scathing critique of what it described as elite hypocrisy, HURIWA pointed out the glaring contradiction between the lifestyle choices of public officials and the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.

The association noted that while top government officials—including the FCT Minister—send their children to some of the most expensive schools abroad, children of poor Nigerians are left to suffer the consequences of underfunded and poorly managed public education systems.

“Why are the children of the political elite educated in elite institutions overseas, while Nigerian children are denied quality education at home due to unpaid teachers?” HURIWA queried.

“This is not just unfair—it is unjust, immoral, and a betrayal of public trust.”

CALL FOR TEACHERS TO BE PAID LIKE DOCTORS

HURIWA made a bold policy demand, calling on the Federal Government and all subnational authorities to urgently review the remuneration of teachers nationwide.

The association proposed that teachers should be placed on a salary structure comparable to that of medical doctors, given their foundational role in shaping future generations.

“Teachers are nation-builders. Without them, there would be no doctors, engineers, lawyers, or leaders. Paying them poorly is equivalent to sabotaging the future of Nigeria,” the group stated.

IMMEDIATE DEMANDS

HURIWA issued the following urgent demands:

• Immediate payment of all outstanding salaries, allowances, and entitlements owed to FCT teachers

• Urgent engagement with teachers’ unions to resolve grievances and end the strike

• Comprehensive review of teachers’ salary structure to reflect current economic realities

• Balanced prioritisation of infrastructure development and human capital investment

• Institutional reforms to guarantee workers’ welfare as a non-negotiable governance obligation

WARNING: EDUCATION COLLAPSE BREEDS INSECURITY

The association warned that prolonged neglect of the education sector could trigger far-reaching social consequences, including rising youth unemployment, criminality, and insecurity.

“Education remains the most effective weapon against poverty, extremism, and crime. Denying children access to education is equivalent to fueling future instability,” HURIWA cautioned.

FINAL POSITION

HURIWA called on the FCT Administration to act with urgency, responsibility, and humility, warning that continued indifference could provoke widespread public backlash.

“The time for excuses is over. Pay the teachers. Reopen the schools. Restore dignity to the workforce. Anything short of this is unacceptable.”

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