The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of federal universities to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.
The move signals a firm stance by the government, asserting that lecturers who abandon classrooms during industrial action will not be paid for work not done.
Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, in a directive to university authorities, emphasized that the government would no longer tolerate violations of labour laws or continued disruptions to academic calendars.
“Any staff member who fails to perform official duties during the strike should not expect payment,” he stated, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to accountability within the university system.
The directive, contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, was distributed to key government institutions, including the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, the Budget Office, and the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Alausa instructed all vice-chancellors to conduct immediate physical headcounts and roll calls to identify academic staff who are present and working, as well as those absent due to the strike.
Reports from each institution are expected to be submitted promptly to the Federal Ministry of Education.
The circular also clarified that the policy would not apply to members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), who are not involved in the strike.
Reiterating the urgency of the matter, the Minister said, “This directive must be treated with the highest sense of responsibility in the interest of the nation.”
He further tasked the NUC with monitoring compliance and submitting a consolidated report within seven days.
ASUU commenced its comprehensive warning strike on October 13, citing unmet demands including the completion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of withheld salaries, and revitalisation of public universities.
The government’s latest directive marks a renewed push to resolve the impasse and restore academic activities across campuses nationwide.
