Teachers' strike paralyses schools activities in Lagos
+ - 17:11, February 26, 2009
Thousands of primary and secondary school pupils and students in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial hub, were sent home on Wednesday as teachers in the state's public schools commenced an indefinite strike to press for improved welfare.
Activities in all public schools in the state were paralyzed as teachers observed the indefinite strike, which its umbrella body, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) called.
Across the Lagos metropolis, students and pupils were seen going back home, while some of them roamed the streets.
The situation was the same as at the time of filling this report.
The teachers claimed the action was to press home the demand for the implementation of Teachers Salary Structure (TSS).
Frequent strikes in public schools have compromised standards and forced many students, who can afford the higher fees, to move to fast-growing private schools or relocate abroad.
Teachers are some of the lowest paid public sector employees in the oil-rich West African country.
