FCT Primary School Teachers Resume Classes After Wike’s ₦16 Billion Intervention Ends Three-Month Strike.
Primary school teachers across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called off their three-month strike, bringing relief to thousands of pupils and parents as classrooms are set to reopen on Wednesday, 9 July 2025. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) FCT Wing announced the suspension following a ₦16 billion intervention by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, aimed at addressing long-standing salary arrears and implementing the new national minimum wage.
The strike, which began on 24 March 2025, stemmed from the non-payment of teachers’ entitlements, including the ₦70,000 minimum wage, 25%–35% salary increments, a 40% peculiar allowance, and promotion arrears dating back several years. The prolonged industrial action left public primary schools in the FCT’s six Area Councils paralysed, with pupils like Asebe Isa of Piyakassa Primary School and Yunusa Idris of Lugbe Primary School expressing frustration over missed lessons and examinations. Parents, unable to afford private schooling, voiced concerns about the impact on their children’s education, with some, like petty trader Agnes Oyewole, seeking affordable alternatives.
The breakthrough came after a stakeholders’ meeting on 3 July 2025, convened by Minister Wike, which included NUT leaders, Area Council chairmen, representatives of the National Assembly, and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). The minister, acknowledging the Area Councils’ limited financial capacity, authorised the release of six months’ worth of 10% Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), totalling ₦16 billion, to cover June’s minimum wage payments and 60% of nine months’ arrears. A special committee, comprising three NUT members, two FCT Administration representatives, one Area Council chairman, and a NANS representative, has been tasked with harmonising remaining entitlements within two weeks, ensuring a sustainable funding plan.
In a communiqué signed by NUT Chairman Abdullahi Shafas, State Secretary Margaret Jethro, and Publicity Secretary Ibukun Adekeye, the union praised Wike’s “positive disposition” and urged teachers to resume work immediately. “We commend the Honourable Minister for facilitating this resolution and taking over the payment of teachers’ emoluments through the FCT Administration,” the communiqué stated. The NUT also expressed gratitude to royal fathers, civil society groups, and the Nigeria Labour Congress for their support during the strike.
Parents and pupils have welcomed the news with cautious optimism. “It’s a relief to know my children can return to school,” said Abdullahi Kebbi, a parent in Abuja. “But we hope the government keeps its promises to avoid another strike.” The resolution has been hailed as a significant step towards revitalising FCT’s public education system, with NANS President Olushola Oladoja commending Wike’s bold intervention. The minister’s commitment to addressing not only teachers’ issues but also those of other local government employees signals a broader push for stability in the territory’s workforce.
As schools prepare to reopen, the FCT Administration’s proactive measures offer hope for a brighter future for primary education, ensuring that teachers are fairly compensated and pupils can resume their learning without further disruption.
