The Federal Ministry of Education has called on the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) FCT Wing, area councils, and education administrators to act in good faith and prioritise dialogue, transparency, and shared responsibility to end the prolonged strikes.

The Ministry made the call after reviewing with concern the communiqué issued by the NUT, FCT Wing, following its Emergency State Wing Standing Committee (SWSC) meeting held on March 22, 2025, in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

It said the integrity of Nigeria’s basic education must be safeguarded against avoidable disruptions.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, acknowledged the concerns raised by the union regarding the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage for primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“The Ministry deeply values the unwavering commitment of Nigerian teachers, who remain the backbone of our foundational education system.

“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, 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.

“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.

“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministry is leading far-reaching reforms in basic education—covering infrastructure, digital learning, curriculum modernisation, and teacher development. These national gains must be complemented by fairness, equity, and responsiveness to the needs of educators,” Alausa said.