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The federal government has reaffirmed its resolve to implement the “no work, no pay” policy as the nationwide strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, began yesterday. It also directed vice-chancellors of all federal universities to ensure full compliance with labour law.
The directive was contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and distributed to key education stakeholders, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, pro-chancellors of federal universities, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, NUC.
According to the circular, the government expressed disappointment over the union’s decision to embark on strike, despite ongoing engagement efforts.
The government warned that it would no longer condone disruptions to the academic calendar.
“In line with existing labour regulations, any employee who fails to discharge official duties during a strike period will not be entitled to remuneration for that period,” the circular stated.
Dr. Alausa directed vice-chancellors to immediately conduct roll calls and physical headcounts of academic staff in their institutions.
They are to compile detailed reports identifying those present and performing their duties and those absent due to the strike. Salaries of staff who fail to work are to be withheld for the duration of the industrial action.
The minister, however, clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics, CONUA and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics, NAMDA, who were not participating in the strike should continue to receive their full entitlements.
ASUU had on Sunday, declared a two-week warning strike beginning Monday, October 13, to press home its demands, including the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN–ASUU agreement; release of withheld salaries; revitalisation funding for public universities; payment of promotion arrears; and settlement of outstanding salary differentials.
The federal government has, however, maintained that most of ASUU’s demands had been addressed, insisting that the strike was unjustified.
