The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has sounded a fresh warning to state governments over failure to fully implement the new national minimum wage, threatening to shut down primary schools indefinitely in affected areas until compliance is achieved.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, NUT National President Audu Amba explained that prolonged negotiations with some states have failed to yield satisfactory progress on wage implementation for teachers, particularly those employed at the basic education level.
According to the union, several states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Gombe, and Zamfara, have yet to honour the agreed minimum wage provisions for primary school teachers — even though the wage has been enacted into law.
“Where the law is not being applied to teachers, especially at the basic level, we cannot continue as though nothing is wrong,” Amba said, stressing that teacher welfare directly impacts learning outcomes.
The union’s stance reflects wider frustration among educators nationwide, who argue that delayed wage implementation undermines both morale and the quality of education. Amba urged authorities to prioritise the needs of teachers, noting that fair compensation and better working conditions are essential for positive student engagement.
For parents and school owners, there is concern that unresolved wage disputes could disrupt academic calendars if industrial actions expand.
The NUT’s announcement underscores the ongoing tension between teacher welfare advocacy and government compliance with labour laws.Educators are advised to prepare for possible shifts in the school schedule if negotiations do not accelerate in the coming weeks.
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