FG Seeks Dialogue as FCT Teachers Strike Enters 100th Day

As the indefinite strike by primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) enters its 100th day, the Federal Government has appealed for dialogue, unity and swift resolution of the crisis.

In a statement issued by the Director, Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Boriowo Folasade, on Monday, the ministry said it deeply values the unwavering commitment of Nigerian teachers, who remain the backbone of the nation’s foundational education system.

Media reports that the long-running industrial action, which commenced on March 24, 2025, has paralysed learning across over 400 public primary schools in the six Area councils of the FCT, leaving thousands of pupils stuck at home or left unattended in dilapidated classrooms.

The ongoing strike was sparked by the failure of the six area councils to implement the N70,000 minimum wage agreement signed in a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding on December 11, 2024.

According to Boriowo, 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.

The statement reads: “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 Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, CON, the Honourable 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.”

The statement added that, 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, GCFR, 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.

“The ministry, therefore, calls on all parties—Unions, Area Councils, and Education Administrators—to act in good faith and prioritise dialogue, transparency, and shared responsibility. The integrity of Nigeria’s basic education must be safeguarded against avoidable disruptions,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students has announced plans to stage a mass protest on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, over the continued closure of public primary schools in the FCT.

In a notice signed by NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, the students’ body described the situation as ‘unacceptable’ and a grave injustice to the Nigerian child.

The association expressed deep worry that thousands of children, especially those from low-income families, have been denied access to basic education for over two months due to the shutdown.

Oladoja directed student leaders to converge at FCDA Secretariat, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, with ‘Black on Black (Symbol of mourning for the death of Basic Education)’ as dress code.

“The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) expresses deep concern over the persistent closure of public primary schools within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which has lasted for over two months. This unacceptable situation continues to deny thousands of children—particularly those from low-income families—their fundamental right to basic education.

“Despite multiple appeals, correspondences, and calls for constructive dialogue with the relevant authorities, no meaningful steps have been taken to resolve the impasse or reopen the affected schools. It is evident that the government’s silence is a deliberate act of negligence and disregard for the educational future of the Nigerian child.

“In response, the national leadership of NANS hereby issues a final call to action and announces a mass protest to demand the immediate reopening of all closed public primary schools in the FCT.

“All NANS structures across the FCT and neighbouring states—Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and Kaduna—are by this notice directed to commence full mobilization of students, civil society allies, and education rights activists for this mass action. Zone A and Zone C leaderships are to provide immediate coordination support to ensure widespread and impactful participation.

“This protest is not just about education—it is a fight for justice, equality, and the soul of Nigeria’s future.”, the statement reads.