About 5,990 education officers in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have begun rescheduled promotion examinations after the 2025 exercise was disrupted by union protests.
The examination commenced on October 5, 2026, for officers seeking promotion from Grade Level 13 to Grade Level 17.
The original examination, conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission in July 2025, was disrupted when officials of the FCT chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) reportedly forced candidates out of the examination hall.
Following appeals by affected officers and labour groups, including the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) and the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), FCT Minister Nyesom Wike approved another opportunity for the candidates.
The Head of the FCTA Civil Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, commended the turnout during an inspection of the examination venue, noting that promotions depended on merit and available vacancies. She attributed fewer retirement-related openings partly to the five-year extension of teachers’ retirement age.
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The Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Emeka Ezeh, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to merit-based promotion and cautioned candidates against political interference.
Meanwhile, JUAC President for the FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Rifkatu Iortyer, urged the administration and labour unions to resolve their disputes through dialogue, warning that prolonged industrial action could disrupt academic activities.
The FCT council of the Nigeria Labour Congress began an indefinite strike on October 7, 2026, amid unresolved grievances over teachers’ promotions and welfare. Iortyer said informal mediation efforts were underway.
The Director of the FCTA Security Services Department, Adamu Gwary, said security personnel had been deployed at accreditation points and examination halls to maintain order throughout the exercise.