Government issues strong directive amid ongoing strike
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate enforcement of the “No Work, No Pay” policy on all members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) currently participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.
The directive, issued on Sunday, October 13, 2025, was contained in an official circular signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
The circular was addressed to all Vice-Chancellors of federal universities and was also copied to top government officials, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary of Education, Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities, the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Director-General of the Budget Office, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
FG expresses disappointment over strike
The Ministry of Education expressed deep concern over the continuation of the ASUU strike, despite repeated appeals from the government to return to the negotiation table. Dr. Alausa noted in the circular that the industrial action contravenes existing labour laws and has significant implications for the academic future of millions of Nigerian students.
“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 read.
Vice-chancellors instructed to conduct staff audit
To ensure strict enforcement of the policy, all Vice-Chancellors have been directed to conduct a comprehensive roll call and physical headcount of all academic staff members across their institutions. They are required to submit detailed reports that distinguish between lecturers who are present and performing their duties, and those who are absent due to participation in the strike.
Dr. Alausa stressed that payment of salaries should be withheld for any academic staff member who fails to fulfill their responsibilities during the strike period. The policy, he added, aligns with the legal provisions that govern employment in Nigeria’s public sector.
CONUA and NAMDA exempted from sanctions
The Education Minister also clarified that members of other academic unions not participating in the strike—specifically the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA)—should not be penalized. He emphasized that these unions have continued to perform their academic responsibilities and must be treated accordingly.
“The ministry expects full compliance with this directive,” Dr. Alausa stated, urging the NUC to monitor implementation closely and to submit a consolidated compliance report within seven days.
“Please treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in national interest,” the circular concluded.
ASUU demands remain unresolved
ASUU declared a two-week nationwide warning strike beginning Monday, October 13, 2025. The decision followed the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued on September 28. The union claims the government has failed to address key issues that have lingered for years.
According to Professor Chris Piwuna, ASUU’s National President, the strike became necessary due to unresolved demands which include:
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Conclusion and implementation of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement
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Release of withheld salaries and unpaid academic allowances
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Adequate revitalisation funding for public universities
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An end to alleged victimisation of union members in various institutions
National education sector at crossroads
As the standoff continues, there is growing concern about the impact of prolonged disruptions in the academic calendar. Thousands of university students are once again forced out of classrooms, many of them uncertain about when academic activities will resume.
Observers say the success or failure of this new policy enforcement may significantly influence how future labour disputes are handled in Nigeria’s education sector. The coming days will reveal whether the government’s firm approach can bring about a quick resolution—or deepen the standoff between ASUU and the Federal Government.
