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The Federal Government has instructed vice-chancellors of Nigerian universities to enforce the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy on members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) currently participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.
The directive was contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and distributed to key government stakeholders. These include the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary of Education, Pro-Chancellors of federal universities, and top financial and academic regulatory bodies such as the Budget Office, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the National Universities Commission (NUC).
In the circular, the Ministry expressed disappointment over ASUU’s continued industrial action, despite multiple calls for dialogue. It emphasized that the government would no longer tolerate any violations of labour laws.
“In line with the provisions of the Labour Laws of the Federation, the Federal Government reiterates its position on the enforcement of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy in respect of any employee who fails to discharge his or her official duties during the period of strike action,” the circular read.
Dr. Alausa also directed all vice-chancellors to immediately conduct a roll call and physical headcount of academic staff at their respective institutions. He requested detailed reports indicating staff who are present and performing their duties, as well as those who are absent due to the strike.
According to the minister, salaries should be suspended for any academic staff member who fails to carry out their responsibilities during the strike period. However, the directive clearly exempts members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA)—two unions not participating in the strike—from any form of penalty.
The NUC has been tasked with monitoring compliance and must submit a comprehensive implementation report to the Ministry of Education within seven days.
“Please treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in the national interest,” the minister urged university administrators.
This development comes after ASUU declared a total and comprehensive warning strike on Sunday, effective Monday, October 13. The union is demanding:
- Full implementation of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement
- Release of withheld salaries and arrears
- Increased revitalisation funding for public universities
- An end to alleged victimisation of members in various institutions
The Federal Government’s latest move is expected to intensify tensions between the union and authorities, as the education sector once again faces disruption.
