A peaceful protest by members of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union and some of their students Tuesday in Abuja was disrupted by men of the Nigerian Police who fired tear gas and water propelled from a specialised vehicle to disrupt the protesters.

The protesters who carried various placards calling for the sack of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Education and an end to the over six months old strike by the Polytechnic and Colleges of Education teachers, had gathered at the Federal Secretariat early on Tuesday morning for the protest.

They were led by Comrade Chibuzo Asomugha, the President of ASUP.

Emeka Wogu, minister of Labour in red cap speaks to the protesters.Photo Femi Ipaye

However, the Supervising Minister of Education refused to see the protesters when they arrived at the Ministry of Education located at the Federal Secretariat.

However, Chief Emeka Wogu, the Minister of Labour later addressed the protesters, with a promise that he will take their complaints to the President.

However, the protesters were attacked by the police with tear gas and water when they were marching towards the National Assembly. No one was injured.