By Daniel Tyokua
The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Federal Capital Territory chapter, has called on the FCT Administration to provide affordable housing estates for teachers to ease their accommodation burden and improve their welfare.
The FCT ASUSS President, Comrade Julius Ogundiran, made the call on Monday during the joint 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Abuja.
Ogundiran said many teachers were struggling to afford accommodation within the FCT, forcing some to commute long distances from places such as Suleja and Abaji to their schools.
He said some teachers had even resorted to sleeping in classrooms because they could not afford accommodation in the city.
“Government can build housing estates for teachers or make land affordable for us to acquire and build. That will make us happier and more motivated,” he said.
According to him, providing affordable housing in the six Area Councils would ease teachers’ accommodation challenges and boost their productivity.
He said the FCT Administration had made efforts to improve teachers’ welfare, particularly through prompt payment of salaries, but urged the government to do more amid the rising cost of living.
Ogundiran also called for the resolution of outstanding promotions and manpower shortages in secondary schools, noting that more teachers would be needed as several existing staff approach retirement.
“If they stand with the teacher, the teacher will be strong. If the teacher is strong, education will be strong; if education is strong, the nation will be strong and the future will be secure,” he said.
