Education sector paralyzed as NULGE and NUT unite
Primary education in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been thrown into total disarray as public school teachers officially joined the ongoing industrial action on Monday, January 26, 2026.
The decision to strike follows an emergency meeting of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), who have formed a unified front against the six area councils. On Monday morning, thousands of pupils across Abuja were turned back from their school gates as teachers withdrew their services indefinitely to protest unpaid entitlements.
The primary grievance of the educators centers on the failure of the area council chairmen to implement the 40% peculiar allowance and the new minimum wage adjustments. While their counterparts in secondary schools, who are managed by the FCTA (Federal Capital Territory Administration), have received these payments, primary school teachers have been left out for several months. Union leaders have described this disparity as “discriminatory” and “unacceptable,” arguing that those at the foundation of the education system should not be the most neglected.
According to the NUT FCT chairman, the decision to strike was the last resort after several ultimatums to the area council chairmen were ignored. He noted that the teachers are also demanding the immediate payment of arrears dating back to 2023 and the implementation of long-overdue promotions. The union has vowed that no teacher will return to the classroom until all financial obligations are met and credited to their respective bank accounts.
Area council chairmen blame fiscal constraints for delays
In response to the total shutdown of primary schools, the chairmen of the six area councils in Abuja have appealed for patience, citing severe fiscal constraints. They argued that the recent fluctuations in the national economy and the rising cost of administrative overheads have made it difficult to meet the full demands of the unions simultaneously. The chairmen maintained that they are working with the Federal Government to secure additional funding to resolve the “wage impasse” as soon as possible.
However, the unions have dismissed these excuses, pointing to the increased revenue allocations from the Federation Account following the removal of the fuel subsidy. NULGE officials alleged that the funds meant for local government staff and teachers are being diverted to “less critical” projects by the council leadership. They have called on the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to intervene and ensure that the area councils prioritize the welfare of their workforce over political interests.
The strike is already having a ripple effect on the social and economic life of the territory, with many working parents expressing frustration over the sudden closure of schools. Private schools in the FCT are reportedly seeing a surge in inquiries as parents seek alternatives to the “unstable” public system. Education advocates have warned that every day the schools remain closed, the learning gap for children in rural communities—who rely solely on public education—widens dangerously.
Parents and stakeholders call for urgent ministerial intervention
As the industrial action enters its first full week, there are growing calls for the Minister of the FCT to act as a mediator between the unions and the council chairmen. Stakeholders believe that only a high-level intervention can break the deadlock and prevent a “wasted academic session” for millions of pupils. They argued that the “Renewed Hope” agenda in the education sector cannot be achieved when those responsible for teaching the next generation are demoralized and unpaid.
| Key Issues in the FCT Teachers’ Strike | Current Status |
| 40% Peculiar Allowance | Not Implemented for Primary Schools |
| New Minimum Wage Arrears | 5 Months Outstanding |
| 2023 Promotion Arrears | Unpaid in most Area Councils |
| Local Government Autonomy | Under Dispute regarding Funding |
The NUT has directed its members to remain at home and disregard any “threats of victimization” from the area council authorities. The union emphasized that the strike is total and will not be called off until “tangible results” are seen in the pockets of its members. With the second term of the 2025/2026 academic session already underway, the pressure is on the government to find a swift and lasting solution to the crisis.
As the gates of public primary schools in the FCT remain under lock and key, the silence in the classrooms speaks volumes about the state of local government administration in the capital. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether a compromise can be reached or if Abuja’s education sector is headed for a prolonged winter of discontent.
