FG says ‘no work no pay’ for striking ASUU lecturers
Vice-chancellors of federal universities in Nigeria have been directed to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy against Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) members, taking part in the ongoing strike.
In a circular dated October 13 2025, signed by the Nigerian Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, copying relevant government authorities and agencies, the Federal Ministry of Education said it was dissatisfied over reports of the industrial action by ASUU, despite repeated calls for dialogue.
The circular read in part:
“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.”
Vice-chancellors of federal universities were instructed to conduct a roll call and physical headcount of all academic staff in their institutions, specifying staff members who are performing their official duties, and those taking part in the strike action, in a comprehensive report to the Ministry.
While instructing the withholding of salary for those who fail to perform their duties, the Minister exempted members of the Congress of University Academics and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics, not partaking in the strike, from the directive.
Recall that lecturers on Sunday declared a nationwide warning strike beginning from Monday October 13, as the union currently demands the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the release of withheld three and a half months’ salaries, revitalisation of public universities, sustainable funding of public universities, among other demands.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa had earlier warned in a statement released to the press on Sunday by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Folasade Boriowo, that the Federal Government will issue a ‘no work, no pay’ policy should ASUU continue with their strike action, after the university teachers declared a two-week warning strike on Sunday.
The Minister had said in the statement that the Federal Government was opened to constructive engagement with ASUU in resolving outstanding issues, stating that the Government had demonstrated sincerity, patience, and goodwill in its dialogue with the Union.
According to Alausa in the statement, “The few remaining matters are those that rightfully fall within the jurisdiction of the governing councils of the respective universities, which have been recently reconstituted to handle such internal issues.
“Although the government is making all efforts to resolve all the issues and ensure that students remain in school, ASUU is not operating with the same zeal.”
