Wike’s Bold Move to End Teacher Strike in FCT
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has made a bold threat to resolve the ongoing strike by primary school teachers in the FCT. He has warned that 10% of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) allocated to area councils could be used to pay the teachers’ salaries. This action comes in response to the prolonged strike that has kept many schools shut.
During an inspection tour of ongoing projects in Abuja, Wike addressed the media on the pressing issue of the strike. He mentioned that if the area councils do not act swiftly to address the salary backlog, the 10% of IGR typically allocated to them could be redirected. This, he believes, will ensure that the teachers receive their overdue pay and students can return to school.
Wike didn’t hold back his criticism of the area councils for their failure to prioritize the teachers’ welfare. He stressed that the FCT administration would not stand idle while the education of young children is disrupted. His comments indicate the urgency with which the administration views the issue, pressing for immediate resolution.
The strike, which has dragged on for weeks, has severely affected primary education across the FCT. Parents and students are becoming increasingly frustrated as the area councils continue to delay in paying the teachers’ salaries. Wike’s proposed use of the IGR funds is seen as a way to break the impasse and get the teachers back to work.
As Wike continues his project inspections, residents of the FCT are closely watching how the situation will develop. Many are hopeful that the minister’s intervention will end the strike soon, allowing schools to reopen. The use of IGR to pay teachers’ wages could also set a new standard for dealing with similar challenges in the future.
