Renowned educationist and public affairs analyst, Dr. Mike Udam, has raised concerns over the prolonged closure of public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He warned that the collapse of Nigeria’s educational system could signal the eventual downfall of the nation.
Speaking to Pinnacle Daily, Dr. Udam reacted to the ongoing strike by primary school teachers in the FCT. The strike has now entered its 91st day, triggered by the Area Council Chairmen’s refusal to implement the ₦70,000 national minimum wage.
“In the 21st century, any serious nation must strike a balance between infrastructure development and human capital development,” Dr. Udam said. “The strength of a country’s economy is often tied to the quality of its educational output. If we apply that measure to Nigeria, and especially the FCT, we’ll see we are in serious trouble.”
Nigerian Educational System in Crisis
Dr. Udam criticized the growing divide in access to quality education.
“The elite have taken their children to expensive private schools, leaving behind those who cannot afford it,” he said. “That’s what played out yesterday, and it’s deeply disappointing. I feel personally touched.”
He added, “If you want to destroy a country, start with its schools. Education is the backbone, the fulcrum, on which all other sectors rest. Once a nation collapses educationally, as Nigeria is doing, everything else begins to crumble. The situation is dangerously unstable.”
VDM Leads Protest
Dr. Udam’s warning followed a protest led by controversial social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
On the streets of Abuja, right outside the FCT Minister’s office, VDM wore a school uniform and led children in a mock classroom session, where he used satire to criticize political leaders.
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“S for Suegbe, T for Tinubu, W for Wike,” he chanted, while the children echoed after him.
Addressing the crowd, Bitrus Garki, Mandate Secretary of the Area Councils Services Secretariat, admitted that the issue is under the Area Councils, but the FCT Administration has made several interventions.
“We are engaging with unions, traditional rulers, and stakeholders. But I can’t say when this will end,” Garki noted.
Not satisfied, VDM gave the administration a seven-day ultimatum.
He threatened to return with more students if the strike is not resolved.
He also vowed to protest the ongoing strike by primary healthcare workers, who are also demanding the new minimum wage.
VDM said: “We are not here to fight Wike, we just want him to remember, he’s likely distracted by 2027 politics. But our children can’t wait.”
