By Atoyebi Nike
The Federal Government has ordered vice-chancellors of federal universities to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) currently on a nationwide strike.
The directive was issued in a circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. Copies of the circular were sent to top government officials, including the Head of Service, Pro-Chancellors, and the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The ministry expressed dissatisfaction with the lecturers’ continued strike despite repeated appeals for dialogue. It stressed that government would no longer tolerate violations of 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.
Alausa directed all vice-chancellors to conduct immediate roll calls and physical headcounts of academic staff and submit reports detailing those present at work and those on strike. He ordered that salaries be withheld from staff who fail to perform their duties during the strike.
He clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics, who are not part of the strike, would be exempted from salary deductions.
The NUC was also tasked with monitoring compliance and submitting a consolidated report to the ministry within seven days.
ASUU had on Sunday declared a total and comprehensive warning strike beginning Monday, October 13, to press for demands including the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of withheld salaries, revitalisation of universities, and payment of outstanding arrears.
