Abuja, Nigeria – April 24, 2025 – Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has urgently summoned area council chairmen and Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) leaders to resolve the ongoing primary school teachers’ strike.
The meeting seeks to address welfare concerns that have kept teachers away from classrooms since Wednesday.
Speaking during an inspection of Abuja projects ahead of President Tinubu’s second-anniversary celebrations, Wike called the strike “very unfortunate.”
He criticized area council chairmen for neglecting teachers despite receiving allocated salary funds.
“They have failed in their duties,” he said, stressing the need for accountability.
Wike warned that strict measures would follow if chairmen continued disregarding teachers’ welfare.
“When I act, people will complain, but these educators shape our children’s future,” he added.
He clarified that primary education falls under area councils, not the FCT Administration, and asked the NUT for patience.
NUT Chairman Abdullahi Shafa welcomed Wike’s intervention but accused chairmen of misusing N4.1 billion meant for salaries.
He demanded National Assembly and EFCC oversight to ensure transparency.
The strike stems from unpaid minimum wages, Peculiar Allowances, and unimplemented salary increments.
Both parties now await dialogue to restore normalcy. Wike remains hopeful, but teachers insist on concrete action.
The strike highlights systemic issues in local governance, requiring immediate resolution to safeguard education.
As tensions persist, the minister’s next steps could determine whether schools reopen soon.
The NUT vows to continue protests until demands are met, emphasizing that teachers’ welfare remains non-negotiable.
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