The Federal Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has called for calm and dialogue in the ongoing dispute between the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Federal Capital Territory administration over the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage for primary school teachers.
The Minister made the call in a statement released on Monday by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
According to the Minister, the Ministry is committed to the welfare, dignity, and professional development of teachers at all levels and is working to find a solution to the dispute.
“The Ministry deeply values the unwavering commitment of Nigerian teachers, who remain the backbone of our foundational education system,” the Minister said.
The statement said that 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 Ministry is committed to engaging with stakeholders to settle the issue amicably.
The Minister, therefore, called on all parties, including Unions, Area Councils, and Education Administrators, to act in good faith and prioritize dialogue, transparency, and shared responsibility.
“These national gains must be complemented by fairness, equity, and responsiveness to the needs of educators,” the statement said.
The statement added that the Ministry is leading far-reaching reforms in basic education, covering infrastructure, digital learning, curriculum modernization, and teacher development, and that these national gains must be complemented by fairness, equity, and responsiveness to the needs of educators.
“The integrity of Nigeria’s basic education must be safeguarded against avoidable disruptions,” the statement said