NUT kicks against ‘vacancy precondition’ for Civil Service promotion

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), based in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has vehemently opposed the "vacancy precondition" for the promotion of teachers in the FCT Civil Service. The union has denounced the recently released promotion examination timetable as a threat to teachers' career advancement. The timetable, published by the FCT Civil Service Commission (CSC), lists "No Vacancy" for education officers seeking to move up from Grade Level 14 to 15, 15 to 16, and 16 to 17.

NUT FCT Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ibikun Adekeye, described the situation as an "assault" on the teaching profession and a sign that the welfare of the teaching workforce is not being adequately considered. According to Adekeye, the timetable indicates that teachers may be denied advancement regardless of their years of service, qualifications, and experience.

He emphasized that the policy contradicts the aim of improving the quality of education. Adekeye described the situation as a "declaration of war on the teaching profession in FCT" and called on stakeholders and education supporters to oppose the plan to stagnate teachers' careers. Meanwhile, the FCT Civil Service has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the NUT to suspend their planned protest, pending the return of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who is currently abroad.