PTA Teachers in Federal Unity Colleges Withdraw from Classrooms Over Stalled Regularisation

By Victor Idajili

Thousands of part-time teachers employed by Parent-Teacher Associations in Federal Unity Colleges have started pulling out of regular teaching duties, frustrated by years of unfulfilled promises to regularise their jobs and improve their welfare.  

The withdrawal is already spreading across several states, with varying levels of participation. In some schools, academic activities are partially disrupted, while others report a near-total shutdown.  

Messages shared among the teachers point to coordinated action in multiple institutions. “FGGC Gboko complying fully,” “Fully compliance by FGGC Potiskum,” and “FGC Azare total closure, solidarity forever,” read some of the posts circulating in group chats.  

Affected schools include FGGC Gboko in Benue, FGGC Potiskum in Yobe, FGC Azare in Bauchi, FGC Jos in Plateau, FGC New Bussa in Niger, and FGC Ilorin in Kwara.  

One teacher, speaking anonymously, said the impact is being felt in classrooms, though not every staff member has stopped showing up.  
“Many of us are still around the school premises, but we’re not teaching. Some are only doing basic administrative duties, while others have completely stayed away,” the teacher said.  

The action follows years of complaints from PTA-hired staff who say they’ve been left in limbo. Many report teaching in Federal Unity Colleges for 10 to 20 years while still being treated as temporary workers, with no formal employment status or benefits.  

Pay is a major point of anger. Teachers say monthly earnings range from ₦30,000 to ₦40,000 for most, with only a few making up to ₦70,000 — amounts they say can’t keep up with rising living costs.  
“Some of us earn ₦30,000, others ₦40,000, and only a few get up to ₦70,000. Yet the cost of living keeps rising every day. It’s becoming unbearable,” one teacher said.  

The group estimates that more than 3,500 PTA part-time teachers are affected nationwide. They describe the situation as unstable and demoralizing, especially as some schools continue to recruit new staff while their own status remains unresolved.  

Organizers say further mobilization in Abuja is being planned if the government doesn’t respond. After years of appeals and peaceful engagement with no concrete outcome, the teachers warn the situation could worsen without urgent action.