The Federal Government has warned that it may enforce the no-work-no-pay policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over their planned strike.
In a statement issued on Sunday night by the spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, the ministry accused ASUU of being uncooperative despite several government efforts to prevent the industrial action.
According to the statement, the Ministers reaffirmed that the government remains committed to the welfare of university workers and the stability of the academic calendar under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
They stressed that dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable approach to resolving disputes, and that the government is always open to discussions aimed at avoiding unnecessary disruptions in the education sector.
However, the statement noted that the no-work-no-pay policy is still an existing labour law in Nigeria, adding that the government would not hesitate to apply it if academic activities are halted. It further maintained that while the government continues to act with goodwill and flexibility, it must also ensure fairness and accountability in the management of public funds.
The ministry assured students, parents, and the general public of its commitment to maintaining industrial peace within the tertiary education system.
It also urged all academic unions to embrace dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation, in the collective interest of the nation’s higher education system.
The statement reiterated that the government’s education reform initiative aims to improve teaching and research conditions, strengthen university autonomy through better governance, and promote an environment of respect, productivity, and innovation.
Meanwhile, ASUU has declared a total and comprehensive warning strike beginning Monday, October 13.
The union’s demands include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of withheld three and a half months’ salaries, sustainable funding and revitalisation of public universities, and an end to the alleged victimisation of lecturers at LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.
ASUU is also pushing for the payment of outstanding 25–35% salary arrears, settlement of over four years of promotion arrears, and release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union check-off dues.
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