Public primary and secondary schools in the FCT are reopening on Monday (today) following the suspension of a six-day strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, FCT Wing, after reaching a major financial agreement with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The decision was taken at an emergency State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) meeting held at the Teachers’ House in Gwagwalada on Sunday, bringing to an end the industrial action that began on April 20, 2026.
At the heart of the resolution is a ₦5 billion monthly funding framework approved by the minister to clear years of unpaid entitlements owed to teachers.
Under the arrangement, ₦2 billion will be sourced from the FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), while ₦3 billion will come from the 10 per cent statutory IGR allocation of the Area Councils.
The funds are expected to facilitate the immediate implementation of the 40 per cent Peculiar Allowance and the gradual settlement of outstanding arrears.
In addition to the financial package, the union secured a key policy concession with the removal of the controversial “vacancy” requirement that had hindered the promotion of qualified teachers.
The teachers had earlier faulted the 2024 promotion exercise by the FCT Civil Service Commission, arguing that the policy stalled career progression.
Wike, according to union leaders, pledged to engage the commission to review the exercise and ensure deserving teachers are promoted without unnecessary restrictions.
In a communiqué signed by NUT FCT Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi M. Shafa, Secretary, Comrade Margaret F. Jethro, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ibukun Adekeye, the union directed all teachers to resume duties on Monday, April 27.
The union, however, warned that the suspension of the strike is conditional, stressing that failure by authorities to implement the agreement would prompt a reassessment of its position.
“If, by omission or commission, the FCTA fails to abide by the agreement, the union will have no option but to review its position,” the communiqué stated.
It also confirmed a “no-victimisation” clause in the agreement, guaranteeing that no teacher would face sanctions for participating in the industrial action.
With the resolution, thousands of pupils and students across the six Area Councils are expected to return to classrooms after days of disruption.
The union urged teachers to recommit to their duties and work towards bridging the learning gaps caused by the strike, while reaffirming its commitment to the continued pursuit of improved welfare and standards in the education sector.
