Controversial activist and influencer, VeryDarkMan, took his advocacy to a new level on Monday morning, June 24, by staging a dramatic protest in front of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s residence in Abuja, demanding an end to the ongoing primary school teachers’ strike.
Dressed in a school uniform and accompanied by a group of schoolchildren also in uniform, VeryDarkMan (VDM) organized a mock classroom session right outside the minister’s gate. Holding a makeshift chalkboard, he taught the children the alphabet—complete with witty political jabs. “T for Tinubu, W for Wike!” he declared, as the children echoed him with smiles and laughter.
The performance quickly went viral across social media platforms, but behind the humor was a pointed message. The protest was aimed at drawing attention to the continued industrial action by FCT primary school teachers, who have downed tools over the Area Council Chairmen’s failure to implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage agreement.
“What kind of country are we running where children are sitting at home because council chairmen refuse to pay teachers?” VDM asked during the protest. “If the government won’t go to the classroom, I’ll bring the classroom to the government.”
The creative protest drew a small crowd of amused onlookers, as well as a response from local security agents who monitored the demonstration but did not disrupt it. Meanwhile, many online praised the stunt as “classic VDM”—a mix of satire, social critique, and unapologetic showmanship.
The teachers’ union has been on strike for weeks, with pupils in many FCT schools unable to resume classes. Parents and educators have repeatedly appealed to the FCT administration to enforce the new wage structure and end the deadlock, but no resolution has been reached.
VeryDarkMan’s protest adds another layer of public pressure on the Wike-led FCT administration. His use of humor and symbolism has reignited conversations on education funding and workers’ welfare, making it harder for the authorities to ignore the growing unrest.
