The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of all federal universities to immediately enforce the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.
The directive, dated October 13, 2025, was issued through a circular signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. Copies were dispatched 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 Director-General of the Budget Office, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The ministry expressed disappointment over ASUU’s decision to continue its industrial action despite repeated appeals for dialogue. It warned that the government would no longer condone actions that contravene existing labour laws.
“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 official duties during a strike,” the circular stated.
Dr. Alausa directed all vice-chancellors to conduct an immediate roll call and physical headcount of academic staff in their respective institutions. The report, he said, must indicate those on duty and those absent due to the strike.
He further ordered that salaries be withheld for lecturers who fail to perform their duties during the strike period, while members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) — who are not part of the strike — should not be affected.
The minister also instructed the NUC to monitor compliance across all universities and submit a comprehensive report within seven days.
“Please treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in the national interest,” Alausa emphasized.
ASUU had on Sunday declared a total and comprehensive warning strike effective Monday, October 13, to press home demands including the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of withheld salaries and arrears, revitalisation funds for public universities, and an end to the alleged victimisation of members.
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