Abia State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) issued a 7-day ultimatum on January 5, 2026, threatening indefinite strike if Governor Alex Otti's administration fails to address critical welfare issues by midnight January 12. Signed by Chairman Friday Madu (or Kingsley Mmadu per reports) and Secretary Nnenna Okonkwo, the notice follows ignored December 19, 2025 demands endangering industrial harmony.
Teachers demand resolution of 65/40 years service elongation irregularities illegal disengagements, payroll removals, head teacher demotions plus payment of salary arrears for primary/junior secondary staff. Additional calls include reinstating 27.5% Teachers' Special Salary Structure, grade-level harmonization, consequential minimum wage adjustments, running costs, leave allowances, and correcting NUT dues remitted to NASU.
NUT rejects proposed computer-based testing for promotions and seeks 2020/2021 results release, framing inaction as deliberate sabotage amid Otti-Kalu APC loyalty feud [page:1 from prior Orji Kalu story]. Union warns strike as last resort after exhausting dialogue.
The threat compounds Abia’s challenges post-Otti’s Labour Party governance critique, paralleling national strikes avoided via INEC's voter registration and insecurity like Kaduna journalist abduction. Parents brace for disruptions as deadline looms.