“They Called Me a Manipulator, But Schools Are Open Now” – VDM Reacts as FCT Teachers Call Off Strike

Popular social commentator, VeryDarkMan (VDM), has responded emotionally after the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT chapter, officially ended its three-month strike.

The industrial action was suspended following the disbursement of ₦16 billion by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to clear salary arrears and entitlements owed to teachers.

Reacting via social media, VDM expressed a sense of vindication, recalling the backlash he faced when he led a protest involving school children to demand the reopening of schools.

“They called me a manipulator for using children in protests. Well, now the schools are open. I guess we successfully ‘manipulated’ the government into doing the right thing,” he said.

VDM’s protest had sparked mixed reactions — while some criticized his approach, others praised him for taking a bold stand in defense of children’s right to education. His persistence now seems to have paid off, as thousands of students across the FCT prepare to return to class.

The resolution of the strike has been welcomed by parents, educators, and civil society stakeholders who hope this marks the end of prolonged disruptions in the education sector.

As normalcy returns to public schools in Abuja, VDM’s message is clear: advocacy, no matter how unconventional, can spark real change.