FG Orders Enforcement of ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy on Striking ASUU Members

The Federal Government has ordered all vice-chancellors of federal universities to 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 was contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, copies of which were sent to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary of Education, Pro-Chancellors of federal universities, Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

According to the circular, the Federal Ministry of Education expressed dissatisfaction over reports of continued industrial action by ASUU despite multiple calls for dialogue, stressing that the government would no longer tolerate violations of extant 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 his or her official duties during the period of strike action,” the circular stated.

The minister directed all vice-chancellors to conduct a roll call and physical headcount of all academic staff and submit comprehensive attendance reports indicating those who are present and performing their official duties, and those absent or participating in the strike.

Dr. Alausa further instructed that salaries of striking lecturers be withheld for the duration of the work stoppage, in strict compliance with the directive.

However, the circular clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) — both of which are not part of the ASUU strike — are exempted from any salary deductions.

The minister also tasked the National Universities Commission (NUC) with monitoring compliance and submitting a consolidated report within seven days of receiving the circular.

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

The directive follows the two-week warning strike declared by ASUU on Monday, October 13, 2025, after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum earlier issued to the government.

ASUU’s demands include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, release of withheld salaries and arrears, improved funding of public universities, and the end to alleged victimisation of lecturers in LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.

PUNCH