The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, has addressed the 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 (FCT).
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, Dr. Alausa urged all stakeholders to embrace dialogue, unity, and swift resolution to the ongoing teachers’ strike in the FCT.
Acknowledging teachers as the backbone of Nigeria’s foundational education system, the minister said the Federal Ministry of Education is concerned about the issues raised in the communiqué issued by the NUT FCT Wing following its Emergency State Wing Standing Committee meeting held on March 22 in Gwagwalada.
While reaffirming that the administration of LEA primary schools falls under the six Area Councils and their Local Education Authorities (LEAs), Dr. Alausa noted that the ministry remains committed to the welfare and professional development of teachers across the country.
He added that the Ministry of the FCT, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and other relevant agencies will continue engaging constructively to address the impasse.
The minister called on the Area Council Chairmen to take urgent steps to resolve the situation and ensure the resumption of academic activities without further delay.
“In line with the principles of cooperative governance and shared responsibility, the ministry will sustain mediation efforts to foster constructive dialogue,” he said, stressing the importance of preventing further disruption to children’s education due to administrative challenges.
Dr. Alausa highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which includes key reforms in the basic education sector such as infrastructure upgrades, digital learning integration, curriculum review, and teacher training.
He urged all parties involved—unions, Area Councils, and education administrators—to act in good faith and prioritise the integrity of the nation’s basic education system by promoting transparency, fairness, and cooperation.
