FG threatens to enforce ‘no work, no pay’ policy as ASUU embarks on strike

The Federal Government has warned that it may invoke the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) if the union goes ahead with its planned industrial action.

In a statement issued on Sunday night by Folasade Boriowo, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, the government expressed disappointment over ASUU’s decision to commence a strike despite what it described as ongoing efforts to resolve outstanding issues.

The statement noted that the government had engaged the union in multiple rounds of dialogue aimed at addressing their concerns, including issues related to university funding, lecturers’ welfare, and the adoption of a unified payment system.

“The Ministers further stressed that the government has continued to prioritise the welfare of university staff and the stability of the academic calendar under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” the statement read.

“According to them, dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path to resolving disagreements, and government remains open to engagement at any level to prevent unnecessary disruption in the education sector.”

The ministry reaffirmed that the “no work, no pay” rule remains a standing labour policy in Nigeria, noting that it will apply if academic activities are disrupted.

“While the government continues to demonstrate goodwill and flexibility, it will not abdicate its responsibility to uphold fairness and accountability in the use of public resources,” the statement added.

The Federal Government also reassured students, parents, and the general public of its commitment to maintaining stability and industrial harmony across universities.

“Ministers appealed to all academic unions to embrace partnership and dialogue rather than confrontation, in the collective interest of the nation’s higher education system,” the statement continued.

“They reiterated that the government’s education reform agenda is designed to enhance teaching and research conditions, promote institutional autonomy through strengthened university governance, and ensure that the academic community thrives in an environment of mutual respect, productivity, and innovation.”

On Sunday, ASUU announced a total and comprehensive warning strike beginning Monday, October 13, to press home its demands.

The union is seeking the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the release of three and a half months of withheld salaries, sustainable funding for public universities, and an end to what it described as the victimisation of lecturers at LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.

Other demands include the payment of outstanding 25–35% salary arrears, promotion arrears spanning over four years, and the release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union dues.