Education Minister calls for dialogue over FCT teachers’ strike

…Acknowledges teachers’ demands, urges Area Councils to act

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, has called for constructive dialogue and a prompt resolution to the ongoing strike by primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Folasade Boriowo, the minister acknowledged the grievances presented by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing, particularly their concerns over the delayed implementation of the new National Minimum Wage.

The NUT had detailed its position in a communiqué following an Emergency State Wing Standing Committee (SWSC) meeting held on 22 March 2025 in Gwagwalada, Abuja, citing unpaid entitlements among other issues.

Although the administration of Local Education Authority (LEA) primary schools in the FCT falls under the purview of the six Area Councils and their respective LEAs, Dr Alausa affirmed that the Federal Ministry of Education remains dedicated to supporting teachers’ welfare and development across the country.

He said the ministry, in conjunction with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and relevant agencies, would continue discussions aimed at resolving the dispute.

The minister encouraged the Chairmen of the Area Councils to take immediate and practical steps to address the concerns and prioritise dialogue with the teachers’ union.

He noted that the ministry would continue to act as a mediator in the dispute, guided by the principles of collaborative governance and shared responsibility, to ensure children’s learning is not undermined by unresolved administrative matters.

Dr Alausa reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, to revitalising basic education through infrastructure upgrades, digital innovation, curriculum reform, and improved teacher welfare.

He appealed to all stakeholders, unions, councils, and administrators, to engage in good faith and work towards a peaceful resolution, stressing that further disruption to the education system would only jeopardise the nation’s foundational learning progress.