The ongoing strike by primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has left thousands of children without education for over a month, exposing the government’s disregard for the future of Nigerian children.
Since March 24, 2025, teachers across all six FCT Area Councils have refused to return to work due to unfulfilled demands, including implementing the N70,000 minimum wage.
Despite the reported approval of N4 billion by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to settle these arrears, schools remain shut as local government chairpersons fail to pay the workers.
This strike has caused significant disruptions, including the cancellation of second-term examinations, with teachers adamant that they will not resume work until the money is paid.
The situation raises questions about the efficiency and accountability of the government.
If the money was approved, why have the chairpersons failed to act? Moreover, why has President Bola Tinubu not addressed the issue? These unanswered questions point to a deeper problem of governance and misplaced priorities.
Education is key to national development, yet millions of Nigerian children are denied this fundamental right.
With over 18 million children already out of school, the ongoing strike only exacerbates the crisis.
Teachers are not entirely blameless, but the government’s failure to pay them is inexcusable.
It is alarming that the FCT Minister continues to focus on infrastructure projects like roads and bridges while the future of the nation’s children remains on hold.
The impact of this strike goes beyond the immediate disruption of school activities. It harms the country’s long-term future, as an uneducated generation will struggle to contribute to national growth.
As seen in the current crisis, the government’s failure to prioritise education threatens to hinder Nigeria’s development for years.
The leaders of the FCT must act swiftly to end this strike and restore the education of the children who depend on it for a better future.
