Lost Academic Term: Abuja pupils return to school after strike, expressing concern over missed classes

Primary school pupils in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory are back in school after a long teachers’ strike—but many are worried about how they will catch up academically.

According to a comprehensive report by Educa.ng, pupils who spoke after their first day back described mixed feelings about resuming school, citing concerns about how they would make up for the lost academic time.

The FCT chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) announced the suspension of its strike on Tuesday following negotiations led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The strike, which lasted over three months, was driven by issues related to unpaid salaries and non-implementation of the national minimum wage.

Now that schools are open again, pupils like Joshua Peter, a Primary Four student, are grappling with uncertainty.

“It’s good to be back, but we’ve missed so much,” he said. “Private schools are almost done with exams, but we are far behind.”

He also noted that classes had not fully resumed, with students spending the first days cleaning the school environment.

Another pupil, Mercy Gwoza, said she feared that teachers might rush through the curriculum in an attempt to make up for lost time.

“I’m afraid we won’t learn properly if they rush everything,” she explained.

Jamiu Mahmoud shared a similar view, expressing hope that he would be able to catch up.

“I’m happy to see my friends again, but I hope I can keep up with the lessons,” he said.

Parents are also voicing their concerns. Mrs. Manji Amos said she was relieved that schools reopened but worried about her children’s learning progress.

“This disruption was too long. Teachers and school leaders need to collaborate to help the students recover academically,” she said.

Education consultant Mr. Tanimu Abdulmalik suggested practical steps such as short tests to assess students’ knowledge and focused lesson plans targeting essential subjects.

He also recommended extended learning hours or weekend classes as a temporary solution.

Meanwhile, Educa.ng’s school tour revealed that many schools remained inactive, with pupils sitting idle as teachers had yet to commence full lessons.