The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has issued a stern warning to state governments yet to implement the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage, signaling a possible nationwide confrontation if delays persist.

Speaking in Ilorin on Monday during the union’s 19th quadrennial state conference for 2026, NUT National President, Audu T. Amba, made it clear that the patience of teachers across the country was wearing thin.

Amba, who was represented at the event by the union’s National Social Secretary, Titilope Adebanjo, warned that the union would not hesitate to mobilise its members against non-compliant states.

“Some states are yet to implement the recently approved minimum wage for our members. We have informed all defaulting states that we will not stay aloof. We will mobilise our members to ensure that governments act promptly,” he declared.

Despite the warning, the union commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as efforts to improve teachers’ welfare nationwide.

“Tinubu’s government is really trying for teachers. We will continue to appeal for better economic conditions for our members. We appreciate him and wish him well in his leadership,” Amba added.

On insecurity, the NUT President expressed optimism that the situation in conflict-prone areas would improve before the next academic session, noting that efforts were ongoing to secure schools and their environments.

“Some schools were shut because of insecurity. I believe that by the time schools resume next term, these challenges will have been addressed. The federal government has assured us that it is working tirelessly to ensure schools are safe,” he said.

For his part, the state NUT chairman, Comrade Yusuf Agboola, lauded the state government for sustaining regular salary payments to teachers.

He noted that longstanding welfare concerns were being addressed, including arrears owed by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the implementation of Teachers Specific Allowances pegged at 27.5 percent and 22 percent.

The conference, held in Ilorin, also featured renewed calls on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to extend the retirement age of teachers from 60 to 65 years, a move the union said would help retain experienced educators in the system. (Daily Trust)