The Abia chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers has suspended its planned indefinite strike after an emergency meeting with representatives of Gov. Alex Otti.
In a statement on Saturday in Umuahia, NUT Chairman, Mr Friday Madu, and Secretary, Mrs Nnenna Okonkwo, said the decision followed Friday’s emergency meeting.
Madu said the union resolved to withhold its seven-day ultimatum to allow government time to implement the Memorandum of Action.
“The union issued the ultimatum on January 5 due to unresolved issues with the state government,” he said.
He said key demands included addressing alleged irregularities in the 65/40 years service elongation policy and reversing illegal disengagements, payroll removals and demotions.
Madu commended the governor for swift intervention through the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, who convened negotiations.
He said the Memorandum of Action provided that all teachers affected by the 65/40 policy be reinstated immediately and paid at least two months’ salaries.
According to him, teachers who scored 60 per cent and above would receive Gen.35 promotion letters for 2022/2023 within the first week of resumption.
He said the agreement also included a 27.5 per cent TSS allowance for primary teachers, to reflect in January 2026 salaries.
Madu added that minimum wage adjustments for senior secondary teachers would reflect in January 2026, with arrears paid later.
He said leave allowances would be paid once specifications were ratified and identified anomalies resolved.
The chairman said a committee was set up to harmonise salaries and running costs, including arrears for JSS and primary teachers.
Madu said the union upheld the resumption of schools on Monday, Jan. 12, as directed by the state government.
He urged teachers to remain law-abiding and committed to their duties.
