Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa has acknowledged concerns raised by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing regarding the non implementation of the New National Minimum Wage for primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory, which has led to strike.
The Minister in a statement by the Director of Press of the ministry, Boriowo Folasade urged all parties concerned to promptly employ dialogue to resolve the issues on implemention of the new minimum wage for Primary school teachers in the federal capital territory.
The FCT Teachers have been on strike since 24th, March 2025 requesting for the implementation of the new N70,000 naira minimum wage.
Alausa said the Ministry deeply values the unwavering commitment of Nigerian teachers, who remain the backbone of the foundational education system.
“In line with the principles of cooperative governance and shared responsibility, the Ministry will sustain its mediation efforts among stakeholders to foster constructive dialogue and prevent any disruption to children’s education arising from unresolved administrative challenges.
“The Federal Ministry of Education has reviewed with concern the communiqué issued by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing, following its Emergency State Wing Standing Committee (SWSC) meeting held on March 22, 2025, in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
“While the administration of LEA Primary Schools in the FCT falls under the purview of the six Area Councils and their respective Local Education Authorities (LEAs), the Federal Ministry of Education reaffirms its commitment to the welfare, dignity, and professional development of teachers at all levels.”
“The Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike,, myself as the Minister of Education, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and other key agencies will continue to engage on this matter and encourage the Area Council Chairmen to do the same, with a view to settling the issue amicably,” he said.
Far-reaching reforms
According to him, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Ministry is leading far-reaching reforms in basic education—covering infrastructure, digital learning, curriculum modernization, and teacher development, stressing that these national gains must be complemented by fairness, equity, and responsiveness to the needs of educators.
“The Ministry, therefore, calls on all parties—Unions, Area Councils, and Education Administrators—to act in good faith and prioritize dialogue, transparency, and shared responsibility. The integrity of Nigeria’s basic education must be safeguarded against avoidable disruptions,” he said.
Lateefah Ibrahim