FG Orders Immediate Enforcement Of ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy Against Striking ASUU Members

FATIHAT OMOTOYOSI OLUSOGA

The Federal Government has directed Vice-Chancellors of all federal universities to immediately enforce the “no work, no pay” policy on members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) 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. Copies were sent to key government officials, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary of Education, Pro-Chancellors of federal universities, the Director-General of the Budget Office, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The ministry expressed disappointment over the continuation of the strike despite repeated calls for dialogue, warning that the government would not tolerate 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 for any employee who fails to discharge official duties during the strike period, the circular stated.

Dr. Alausa instructed vice-chancellors to conduct an immediate roll call and physical headcount of all academic staff, submitting detailed reports showing those who are working and those absent due to the strike.

He further directed that salaries be withheld from lecturers who fail to perform their official duties during the industrial action, while clarifying that members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA)—who are not part of the strike—should not be affected.

“The ministry expects full compliance with this directive,” Dr. Alausa emphasized, adding that the NUC should monitor the exercise and submit a consolidated compliance report within seven days.

ASUU had on Sunday declared a total and comprehensive warning strike effective Monday, October 13, 2025. The union’s demands include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, release of withheld salaries and arrears, revitalisation funding for public universities, and an end to alleged victimisation of its members.