Education Minister Alausa has addressed the FCT teachers’ strike, urging calm and quick resolution.
He assured stakeholders that the government remains committed to fair wages and education reform goals.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, has responded to the ongoing strike by primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory, assuring that the government is aware of their grievances regarding the implementation of the new national minimum wage.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the minister appealed for calm, dialogue, and collaboration among stakeholders to resolve the impasse swiftly. He stressed the crucial role teachers play in building the foundation of the nation’s education system and expressed concern over the strike’s impact on learning.
Dr. Alausa acknowledged the issues raised in a communiqué issued by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (FCT Wing) after their emergency meeting held on March 22, 2025. While he noted that the management of Local Education Authority (LEA) primary schools falls under the control of the six Area Councils in the FCT, he reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to supporting teachers’ welfare and professional development.
He emphasized that although the governance of basic education in the FCT is decentralized, collaboration remains vital. According to the minister, relevant bodies including the FCT Administration, the Universal Basic Education Commission, and the Federal Ministry of Education will continue engaging to ensure a fair and lasting solution.
Dr. Alausa urged Area Council Chairmen to actively participate in resolving the issue and reiterated the ministry’s readiness to mediate constructively. He said ongoing efforts are aligned with the federal government’s broader educational reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which includes improving infrastructure, updating curricula, promoting digital learning, and enhancing teacher training.
“These reforms must be matched with a commitment to fairness and responsiveness to teachers’ needs,” he said.
The minister called on all parties unions, local councils, and education administrators to act in good faith and prioritize open dialogue and cooperation. He stressed that avoiding further disruption to students’ education is a shared responsibility and essential to safeguarding the progress of the country’s basic education system.
