TEACHERS have been urged to end their three-week-old strike and return to the classrooms.



Education Minister, Igwe Aja-Nwachukwu yesterday said since some governors have agreed to consider their demands, there was need for them to sheathe their swords.

According to the minister who briefed State House correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC), the government was concerned about the effect the strike have had on the education sector; but could, however, not accede to the teachers' requests for some reasons.

His words: "Our position is clear and it is based on facts, logic and the constitution; we are not employers of NUT members. So, we appeal to them to go to their governors and negotiate, and also call off the strike."

Answering a question, the minister pointed out that unity schools' teachers are civil servants and not members of NUT and are at present not in any labour dispute with his ministry; even as he declared: "allowances of our staff will be enhanced at the appropriate time and it will be done at the establishment level. Ministry of Education does not get involved in labour issues like salary increases for civil servants".

Information and Communication, Minister John Odey, said: "We are optimistic that this dispute will be resolved, especially as the governors have accepted to negotiate with the NUT."