Fresh tension has erupted within the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) as teachers and concerned stakeholders in Lagos State accused the Lagos State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) of attempting to hijack the union and undermine its national leadership.
The aggrieved teachers vowed to resist what they described as an unlawful move to shield a former National Treasurer who allegedly continues to exercise financial powers months after his mandatory retirement.
The controversy followed a meeting of the NUT Lagos State SWEC held on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Teachers’ House, Agidingbi, Ikeja. At the meeting, resolutions were reportedly adopted to challenge the National Headquarters of the union and block the removal of Comrade Ganiu Segun Raheem, a former National Treasurer who retired from service in early 2025.
Teachers familiar with the meeting described it as a dangerous turning point for the union, alleging that a small group within the Lagos leadership was acting in violation of the NUT Constitution, the Trade Union Act, and long-established democratic principles within the teachers’ movement.
“This union is being captured before our eyes,” a senior teacher in Lagos said on condition of anonymity. “A retired National Treasurer is alleged to be unlawfully continuing in office, signing cheques and exercising financial authority despite having retired in 2025. This clearly violates the NUT Constitution and the Trade Union Act.”
According to multiple sources, the Lagos SWEC resolved to oppose any attempt by the NUT National Secretariat to remove Raheem, despite concerns that he has continued to function as National Treasurer long after retirement.
A statement circulated among teachers warned that the situation raises serious legal and ethical questions about compliance with statutory regulations, financial accountability, and internal governance within the union.
Even more troubling, stakeholders alleged that statements made during the meeting amounted to threats and intimidation against teachers, petitioners, and human rights activists who raised concerns about the retired treasurer’s continued stay in office.
According to attendees, Comrade Olusola Masheyi allegedly suggested that some petitioners, including Comrade Teacher Ogunlana B.O (Mrs), should be monitored, trailed, and “dealt with.”
Teachers said that if such remarks are verified, they could amount to incitement, criminal intimidation, and a gross abuse of union authority, calling on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to investigate the allegations.
Concerns were also raised about the composition of the SWEC meeting itself. Stakeholders alleged that retired and non-financial members participated in a statutory council meeting, including Comrade Adedoyin Adesina, a former Chairman of the NUT Lagos State Wing.
They stressed that Comrade Raheem’s continued involvement in financial and administrative matters after retirement raises serious questions about the handling of union funds and called for forensic scrutiny by relevant financial and anti-corruption agencies.
Additional issues highlighted by the teachers include alleged attempts to incite resistance against lawful directives from the NUT National Body and resolutions calling for the removal of the NUT Secretary-General and other national staff, based on claims that the Lagos wing “owns” the union.
The stakeholders warned that such actions threaten the integrity and survival of the union, noting that no state wing or executive council is superior to the collective authority of the Nigeria Union of Teachers across its 38 state wings.
They called on the NUT President and national leadership to intervene decisively and lawfully to prevent a deeper institutional crisis.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” the teachers said, urging urgent action to protect the credibility of the union and the dignity of the teaching profession.