Teachers and students protest against Bouteflika in Algiers

Teachers also protested in other cities, Algerian media reported, as political uncertainty grips the gas-rich North African country.

Opposition parties also held a joint meeting in Algiers to plot next steps.

Large-scale protests forced Bouteflika to abandon his plan to seek a fifth term and extend his 20-year long rule. But he also canceled the upcoming April elections without setting a new date, extending his presidency indefinitely.

"There is no place of a fifth term… my health and age will not allow me to perform my last duty for the Algerian people," Bouteflika said.

The ailing leader added that there would be no elections on April 18 and the poll would only take place after an "inclusive and independent national conference". He promised to set a date for new elections "before the end of 2019".

After initial celebration following Bouteflika's announcement, protesters returned to the streets of the capital Tuesday, accusing the 82-year-old of "tricks" and demanding Bouteflika step down now, or at the latest when his current term ends next month. 

The logistics of the National Conference proposed by Bouteflika are unclear and Algerian opposition has already said it is against it.

"These decisions remain in the hands of those we are protesting against," said Boutaleb Atika, a member of the Algerian opposition party Talae El Houryat.

"The entire country is living an unconstitutional act of force, as the constitution was violated several times before, and now that's a fourth term that is continuing into a fifth term that is imposed without elections".

Some fear the transitional period declared by the government cold last longer than announced.

Schools in Algeria have been hit by a partial strike in recent days as protests have repeatedly rocked the capital and other major cities.

University students have been at the forefront of the movement, in a country where half the population is under the age of 30 and many have never known any president other than Bouteflika.

Bouteflika returned from Switzerland, where he was undergoing "routine medical checks", on Sunday.

Algerians have barely seen their president since he suffered a stroke in 2013. Protesters are also angry about the corruption and secrecy in Algeria's power structure.

Agencies contributed to this report.