Mallam Tanko S. Bello, chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council chapter of the [Confederation of the Parents Teachers Association (CPTA)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parent-teacher_association), on Sunday called on the [Federal Capital Territory (FCT)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Capital_Territory,_Nigeria) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to establish a permanent funding mechanism for primary schools in the territory, with the aim of ending the annual teachers’ strike that repeatedly halts classroom instruction.
**Key facts**
- The statement was released to journalists in Abuja on Sunday.
- Bello urged the FCT administration to convene an urgent meeting that includes the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), the [Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigerian_Labour_Congress), parent‑teacher associations and the six area council chairmen.
- He noted that the previous year’s strike kept children out of school for several months, and this year the same disruption forced many pupils to wander the streets, hawk goods and become exposed to vices while their peers in private schools continued learning.
- The repeated stoppages have shattered the academic calendar, lowered education quality and caused psychological distress for parents and children alike.
- “An idle mind is a devil’s workshop,” Bello warned, emphasizing that teachers’ welfare must be placed at the forefront of policy decisions.
**Why is a sustainable funding mechanism needed?**
A reliable financial stream would allow the FCT government to pay teachers on time, provide necessary teaching resources and prevent the bargaining deadlock that triggers strikes each year. Without such a system, schools remain vulnerable to budget shortfalls that directly affect teachers’ salaries and morale.
**What solution is being proposed?**
Bello suggested that the FCT administration organise a comprehensive stakeholders’ summit, bringing together the labour unions, PTA representatives and area council leaders. The purpose of the gathering would be to negotiate a long‑term financing plan, set clear wage structures and create a monitoring framework to ensure compliance.
**How will this benefit students?**
Consistent teacher attendance would restore the regular academic calendar, improve learning outcomes and shield children from the social risks associated with prolonged school closures. Stable funding would also enable the procurement of teaching materials, thereby raising the overall quality of education in the capital.
In summary, the CPTA AMAC chairman is pressing the FCT government to act decisively on teachers’ welfare by instituting a durable funding model and fostering dialogue among all education stakeholders, with the ultimate goal of guaranteeing uninterrupted schooling for the children of Abuja.