FCT Teachers’ Strike: FG calls for dialogue as protest reaches 100th day

As the indefinite industrial action by primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) reaches its 100th day, the federal government has made a plea for dialogue, unity, and a swift resolution to the impasse.

In a statement released on Monday by the Director of Press and Public Relations for the Ministry, Boriowo Folasade, the ministry expressed its appreciation for the unwavering dedication of Nigerian teachers, describing them as the backbone of the country’s foundational education system.

The prolonged strike, which began on 24th March 2025, has crippled academic activities in more than 400 government-run primary schools across the six area councils of the FCT, leaving thousands of pupils at home or unattended in dilapidated classrooms.

The strike began after the six area councils failed to implement the N70,000 minimum wage agreement, which had been signed through a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding on 11th December 2024.

Boriowo stated that the Federal Ministry of Education had taken note of the communiqué released by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing, following its Emergency State Wing Standing Committee (SWSC) meeting, which took place on 22nd March 2025 in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The statement said, “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.”

It continued: “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, to settle the issue amicably.”

The ministry further explained that, in keeping with the values of collaborative governance and shared responsibility, it would continue to mediate among all stakeholders to promote meaningful dialogue and prevent further interruption to children’s education caused by 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 (NANS) has declared plans to stage a large protest on Wednesday, 2nd July 2025, over the prolonged shutdown of government primary schools in the FCT.

In a statement signed by the NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, the students’ body described the development as “unacceptable” and labelled it a serious injustice to Nigerian children.

The association voiced concern that many children, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, had been deprived of their right to basic education for more than two months due to the school closures.

Oladoja instructed student leaders to assemble at the FCDA Secretariat, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, wearing “Black on Black (Symbol of mourning for the death of Basic Education)” as their 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.