The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of federal universities across Nigeria to immediately implement the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.
The directive was contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and addressed to key education and government officials, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Pro-Chancellors, Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry, Director-General of the Budget Office, Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission.
According to the circular, the government expressed disappointment that ASUU had continued with its industrial action despite multiple appeals for dialogue.
“In line with the provisions of the Labour Laws of the Federation, the Federal Government reiterates its position on enforcing 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 stated.
Dr. Alausa instructed all vice-chancellors to conduct a roll call and physical headcount of academic staff in their institutions and to submit comprehensive reports distinguishing between lecturers who are at work and those observing the strike.
He further directed that salaries for the duration of the strike should be withheld from staff members who fail to perform their official duties.
“This directive must be treated with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in the national interest,” Alausa emphasized.
The minister, however, clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics — who are not part of the strike — are exempted from the salary stoppage order.
He also mandated the NUC to monitor compliance and submit a consolidated report to the Education Ministry within seven days.
Reacting to the development, a senior ASUU official who spoke on condition of anonymity described the government’s move as “an act of intimidation,” stressing that the union’s demands are legitimate.
“Rather than threaten lecturers with no-pay policies, the government should focus on addressing the root causes of the strike — funding, revitalisation, and the welfare of university staff,” the source said.
ASUU had on Sunday declared a two-week total and comprehensive warning strike, demanding the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, payment of withheld salaries, revitalisation funds for public universities, and an end to the alleged victimisation of its members in several institutions, including 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.
Despite the government’s directive, ASUU has vowed to sustain its industrial action until meaningful progress is made in negotiations.
“We will not be coerced into silence. The issues we are raising concern the survival of public university education in Nigeria,” the ASUU representative maintained.
