In a major development for education within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has officially called off its nearly four‑month strike. Effective today, primary school teachers are ordered to resume duties, marking a critical step towards restoring normalcy in classrooms across the region.
This decision—announced following an Emergency State Executive Committee (SWEC) meeting in Abuja—comes after significant concessions by the FCT Administration, including implementation of the new national minimum wage and disbursement of five months’ salary arrears.
Table of Contents
Breakdown of Events
Origins of the Strike
Primary school teachers in the FCT launched a strike on March 24, 2025, protesting the government’s failure to implement the new minimum wage and clear pending salary arrears. The walkout, which lasted for nearly 110 days, left many schools deserted and sparked growing alarm among parents and educational stakeholders.
Key Interventions
Efforts to resolve the impasse gathered momentum after FCT Minister Nyesom Wike convened a pivotal stakeholders’ meeting on July 3, 2025. He proposed bold measures: reallocating 10% of the Area Councils’ internally generated revenue (IGR)—approximately N16 billion—to sustain wage payments.
Sources confirm this proposal was central to the breakthrough that led to the strike suspension.
SWEC’s Emergency Resolution
On July 4, 2025, at a special session in Gwagwalada, the SWEC reviewed Wike’s intervention. They praised the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) commitment to directly fund teacher salaries and to ensure full settlement of entitlements.
They resolved to suspend the strike upon confirmation that N16 billion had been released and credited to teachers’ accounts, which was completed on July 8.
What Teachers Will Receive
- Implementation of the new national minimum wage: Salaries recalibrated to reflect the updated pay structure.
- Initial five months’ arrears paid: Credited on July 8 to eligible teachers’ bank accounts.
- Strategic establishment of an arrears‑tracking committee: A two‑week task force charged with reconciling outstanding entitlements and identifying sustainable funding sources.
This transparent, structured approach aims to ensure teachers receive what they are owed without delay.
Classes Resuming from July 9
The NUT’s communique urges all primary school teachers in FCT to return to their classrooms starting Wednesday, July 9, 2025, signalling the end of a disruptive four‑month hiatus.
Union, Government, and Community Reaction
NUT Community
The union extended its heartfelt gratitude to teachers who demonstrated unity and perseverance throughout the industrial action. It also acknowledged the role of royal fathers, civil society groups, the National NUT headquarters, and the Nigeria Labour Congress in maintaining momentum behind the movement.
FCT Administration
Under Minister Wike’s leadership, the FCTA has been commended for taking decisive steps to avert further crisis. Utilising a portion of Area Council IGR to secure teachers’ livelihoods has earned widespread approval.
Civil Society & Parents
Parents and advocacy groups welcomed the resolution, urging vigilance as classrooms reopen and emphasising that implementation of the agreement terms is critical to avoid future disruption.
FCT‑NUT: What Lies Ahead
- Thorough Audit of Arrears
- The two‑week committee will audit all outstanding payments, determine shortfalls, and ensure full clearance.
- Establishing Reliable Funding Channels
- Discussions are underway for a dedicated budget line to ensure teachers’ wages are prioritised in future fiscal allocations.
- Preventing Recurrence
- Senior education officials are proposing monthly monitoring exercises and enhanced communication between unions and FCTA to detect and resolve issues early.
Broader Implications for Nigerian Education
The FCT‑NUT outcome may serve as a template for other states, underscoring the importance of direct wage implementation, realistic funding mechanisms, and sincere dialogue. It also stresses accountability: a strike lasting this long erodes public trust and student learning.
With lessons from the FCT experience, other governments stand to adopt:
- Preemptive wage funding
- Clear strategic communication
- Rapid industrial dispute mechanisms
Impact on Students and the Community
- Academic Flow: Schools closed since March will resume lessons immediately—critical for children preparing for end‑of‑term examinations and national assessments.
- Psychosocial Stability: Students benefit from structured daily routines and social engagement; parents gain reassurance about their children’s well‑being.
- Economic Stabilisation: Education‑related businesses—from uniform makers to bookstore vendors—will likely rebound as demand surges again.
Future Watchpoints
- Committee Updates: The arrears‑tracking team must provide transparent progress reports and set achievable deadlines.
- Transparency in Funding Use: Stakeholders are watching to ensure the N16 billion allocation is accounted for and facilitates a full, lasting resolution.
- Guarding Against New Strikes: Unions and the government need robust early‑warning systems to head off potential labour tensions.
Expert Analysis
Policy Advisor, Education Sector
“This is a landmark moment. The rapid payment of arrears, anchored in area council revenues, shows what’s possible with political resolve. The challenge now is to systematize these wins to avoid cyclical disruptions.”
Parent‑Teacher Association Leader
“Parents have been in limbo for months. Reopening classrooms is not just about academics—it means relief, safety, and routine for our children.”
Summary at a Glance
| Event | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Strike Commenced | Mar 24, 2025 | Teachers protest unpaid arrears and minimum wage |
| Minister’s Intervention | Jul 3, 2025 | Wike proposes tapping N16bn IGR for payments |
| SWEC Decision | Jul 4, 2025 | New wage & five months’ arrears credited |
| Arrears Payment Completed | Jul 8, 2025 | New wage & five months arrears credited |
| Teachers Return | Jul 9, 2025 | Vote to suspend the strike pending payment |
FCT‑NUT: Key Takeaways
- The strike is officially suspended; classes resume on July 9.
- A new minimum wage was implemented, and five months of salary arrears were paid.
- A committee is now auditing the remaining backlog, ensuring total resolution.
- Key funding derived from N16 billion Area Council IGR.
- Stakeholders remain hopeful—but insist on transparent follow‑through.
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