Public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) reopened on Wednesday following the suspension of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT’s) almsost four-month strike.
The industrial action was called off after the teachers received the new minimum wage. The teachers ended the strike on the intervention of FCT minister Nyesom Wike.
While primary schools across the nation’s capital began to function as pupils returned, the teachers expressed cautious optimism that the government would fulfil the remaining promises, including the arrears and a sustainable salary structure.
The strike, which began on March 24, 2025, was triggered by the non-implementation of a 2022 agreement, including promotion arrears, wage awards, and salary adjustments.
The deadlock was broken after the six area councils released N16 billion, six months of their 10 percent Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), to cover the new minimum wage and partial arrears.
In a communique, the NUT confirmed the suspension of the strike, stating: “Consequent upon the implementation of the new minimum wage and payment of five months’ arrears into teachers’ accounts today, July 8, 2025, the SWEC hereby suspends the ongoing strike action.”
Despite the resumption, teachers in various schools voiced concerns over whether the government would fully honour its commitments.
Ms. Comfort, a teacher at LEA Primary School Bmuko, said, “We are happy to be back, but we are watching closely. The government has started paying the minimum, but what about the over nine-month arrears?”
“We are yet to receive the arrears that they are owing us. We need assurances that all our entitlements will be settled, not just partial payments.”
A senior teacher in LEA primary school, Dutse, Mr Okafor said, “The strike was painful, but necessary. Now that we have resumed, we expect the special committee proposed by the FCT Minister to work swiftly. Our promotions, allowances, and full arrears must be addressed without further delay.”
Also, Ms Grace Okon of Wuse Primary School expressed relief but urged sustained dialogue, “We appreciate Minister Wike’s intervention, but this should not be a one-time solution. Teachers need a permanent structure to prevent future strikes. Our children have suffered enough disruptions.”
Parents welcomed the reopening but lamented the prolonged disruption, “My child lost valuable learning time. The government must prioritise education to avoid another strike,” said Mr. Ibrahim Musa, whose son attends Dutse Baupma Primary School.
Although primary school students are excited to return, they face a compressed academic calendar. The schools are expected to adjust schedules to cover lost ground ahead of terminal examinations.
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