JUST IN: FG ORDERS STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF ‘NO WORK, NO PAY’ POLICY AGAINST STRIKING ASUU MEMBERS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of federal universities across the country to strictly enforce the “no work, no pay” policy against 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, and signed by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa. The circular was copied to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary of Education, Pro-Chancellors of all federal universities, the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
According to the circular, the Federal Ministry of Education expressed dissatisfaction over the continued industrial action by ASUU despite repeated calls for dialogue, stating that the government would no longer 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 in respect of any employee who fails to discharge his or her official duties during the period of strike action,” the circular reads.
The minister directed all vice-chancellors to immediately conduct a roll call and physical headcount of academic staff, and to submit comprehensive reports indicating staff present and performing their duties, and those absent or participating in the strike.
Alausa further instructed that salary payments for the duration of the work stoppage be withheld from striking staff. However, 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, are exempted from the directive.
The NUC has also been tasked with monitoring compliance with the directive and submitting a consolidated report to the ministry within seven days.
“Please, treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in national interest,” Alausa urged the vice-chancellors.
ASUU had earlier declared a total and comprehensive warning strike beginning Monday, October 13, to press home its demands, which include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, release of withheld salaries, sustainable funding and revitalisation of public universities, and cessation of the victimisation of lecturers in Lagos State University (LASU), Prince Abubakar Audu University, and Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO).
The union is also demanding payment of outstanding 25–35% salary arrears, promotion arrears spanning over four years, and the release of withheld third-party deductions, including cooperative contributions and union check-off dues.
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