Federal Government directs vice-chancellors to withhold salaries
The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a firm directive to all vice-chancellors of federal universities to implement the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) who are currently participating in the ongoing strike action.
The directive, contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, was signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. It underscores the government’s stance that employees who fail to perform their official duties during industrial actions will not receive salary payments for the strike period.
This move comes amidst heightened tension as ASUU continues its strike, demanding that the Federal Government meet outstanding agreements concerning funding, allowances, and working conditions.
Details of the FG’s directive
According to the circular obtained by DAILY POST, the government emphasized that the enforcement of the “no work, no pay” policy aligns fully with the provisions of the Labour Laws of the Federation.
The circular states, “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.”
To ensure comprehensive compliance, the circular was circulated not only to vice-chancellors but also copied to key government officials, including:
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The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation
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Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation
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Permanent Secretary of Education
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Pro-Chancellors of all federal universities
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Accountant-General of the Federation
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Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC)
This wide circulation is aimed at guaranteeing coordinated enforcement and preventing any salary payments to lecturers participating in the strike.
Background: The ASUU strike and demands
The strike by ASUU began after the union’s demands were reportedly unmet by the Federal Government. The union has been calling for the release of unpaid salaries and allowances, improved funding for university infrastructure, better welfare packages, and an end to what it describes as the victimization of members involved in past industrial actions.
ASUU has issued warnings and deadlines for the government to meet these demands, but the ongoing deadlock has forced the union to maintain the strike, disrupting academic activities across Nigeria’s public universities.
The government’s insistence on the “no work, no pay” policy aims to pressure the striking lecturers to return to work while signaling its unwillingness to negotiate under threat of prolonged industrial action.
Impact on students and the education sector
The strike continues to affect thousands of students who are unable to attend lectures, write exams, or complete academic programs. Parents and stakeholders have expressed frustration over the prolonged impasse, urging both parties to reach an amicable resolution.
While the Federal Government’s directive may serve as a deterrent to prolonged strikes, education experts warn that punitive measures alone cannot resolve the deep-rooted challenges facing Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Next steps and ongoing negotiations
The Ministry of Education and relevant agencies have indicated openness to further discussions but remain firm on enforcing the labour laws to safeguard the integrity of academic calendars and government resources.
Vice-chancellors are expected to begin immediate roll calls to identify staff members on strike and withhold their salaries accordingly, as directed.
Meanwhile, the situation remains tense, with both ASUU and the Federal Government under increasing pressure to find a sustainable solution that protects the interests of students, academic staff, and the future of Nigerian higher education.
