Social media influencer VeryDarkMan (VDM) organized a protest at the gate of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, addressing the ongoing teachers' strike that has severely impacted primary school education in Abuja.
The strike, rooted in unpaid salaries, has left children out of school for weeks, prompting a powerful demonstration by VDM and a group of schoolchildren.
The protest, captured in a viral video, featured schoolchildren dressed in their uniforms, holding placards with poignant messages such as "You call us leader of tomorrow while stopping our school for 9 weeks." This strike, which began in December 2024 with intermittent boycotts, has now escalated into a full-blown crisis, disrupting the education of countless young students in the FCT.
VDM's initiative comes at a time when the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and other labor unions have struggled to resolve the issue, despite a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in December 2024. The MoU aimed to address the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage and settle outstanding allowances, but progress has been stalled, leading to continued industrial action. The lack of resolution has not only paralyzed over 400 public primary schools but also highlighted a broader failure in governance and public service delivery.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has been criticized for prioritizing infrastructure projects over essential services like education. Despite allocating not less than N140 billion to education in the 2025 budget, the persistent strike and unpaid salaries suggest a disconnect between financial commitments and actual service delivery. This protest, therefore, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective policy implementation and accountability.
Reactions and Public Sentiment
The protest has sparked a range of reactions across social media and within the community. Many have praised VDM for his proactive stance, with comments like "VDM is doing what the Labour Union can't do" and "Omg VDM is Gold" reflecting admiration for his efforts.
Others have expressed frustration with the government, questioning the allocation of resources and the neglect of basic services. One user remarked, "Wike only knows how to commission white elephant projects neglecting the very basic things," capturing a sentiment of disillusionment.
Conversely, some have criticized the reliance on a private citizen to address such a critical issue, pointing to the failure of official channels. "There’s the NUT- teachers union… It’s a 30 year old private citizen that is doing the work of thousands," one commenter noted, highlighting the broader systemic issues at play.
The involvement of schoolchildren in the protest has also elicited concern and sympathy, with many calling for immediate action to end the strike and restore educational stability. The images of young students holding signs and participating in the demonstration have resonated deeply, underscoring the human cost of the ongoing crisis.
