Wike, Alausa Take FCT Teachers’ Salary Crisis to National Assembly

Wike, Alausa Take FCT Teachers’ Salary Crisis to National Assembly

In a renewed effort to resolve the persistent issue of unpaid salaries for teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, have jointly taken the matter to the National Assembly.

The duo is advocating for the establishment of a State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in the FCT—similar to what operates in the 36 states—to ensure a structured and sustainable funding mechanism for basic education teachers.

Speaking at the launch of the National Policy on Non-State Education held on Wednesday 16 July 2025 in Abuja, Alausa stressed that the current system, where teachers are paid directly by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, is unsustainable.

He pointed out that without a formal SUBEB framework, the FCT cannot benefit from the Universal Basic Education Commission’s (UBEC) matching grants, which are critical for basic education funding across the country. According to him, the strike actions by teachers may temporarily end, but the root causes must be structurally addressed to avoid recurrence.

The ministers’ appeal to lawmakers is not only aimed at resolving the salary crisis but also at aligning the FCT’s education system with national standards. By advocating for direct intervention from the National Assembly, Wike and Alausa hope to fast-track legislative approval for a SUBEB in the FCT.

This move is also in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes improving access to quality education and strengthening public sector accountability.