Breaking: FG Implements No-Work-No-Pay Policy On ASUU Striking Lecturers

The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of federal universities to immediately implement the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.

The directive was issued in a circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and copied to key government and university officials, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary of Education, Pro-Chancellors of federal universities, Director-General of the Budget Office, Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The ministry expressed concern over ASUU’s continued industrial action despite repeated calls for dialogue.

“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 for any employee who fails to perform official duties during the strike period,” the circular stated.

Vice-chancellors have been instructed to conduct physical roll calls and headcounts of all academic staff and submit detailed reports identifying those present and working, as well as those absent or participating in the strike. Salaries of staff who fail to perform their duties during the strike are to be withheld.

Dr. Alausa clarified that 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, are exempt from the policy.

The NUC has been tasked with monitoring compliance and submitting a consolidated report to the ministry within seven days.

“Please treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in the national interest,” Alausa emphasized to university heads.

ASUU had on Sunday, October 13, declared a total and comprehensive warning strike effective immediately.

The union’s demands include:

• Conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement

• Release of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries

• Sustainable funding and revitalisation of public universities

• An end to the victimisation of lecturers at LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO

• Payment of outstanding 25–35% salary arrears

• Settlement of over four years’ promotion arrears

• Release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union check-off dues.