Strike: FG warns ASUU of enforcement of ‘no work, no pay’ policy

The Federal Government has warned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) against embarking on its planned industrial action, cautioning that it will enforce the “no work, no pay” policy if academic activities are halted.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, urged the union to embrace dialogue rather than resort to strikes.

The ministers reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing ASUU’s concerns, emphasizing that ongoing negotiations have already produced significant progress in meeting some of the lecturers’ long-standing demands.

“The Federal Government has demonstrated demonstrable sincerity, patience, and goodwill in its dialogue with the Union,” the statement read.

The ministers explained that many of ASUU’s key demands, including enhanced teaching allowances and better conditions of service, have already been resolved by the Federal Government. They added that the remaining issues are matters that fall within the authority of university governing councils, which have now been reconstituted and empowered to address them.

“Despite these efforts, ASUU has opted for strike action. This action does not reflect a spirit of cooperation or fairness to the students and the public,” the ministers stated, adding that the government had met its deadline for presenting its position.

They further stated that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the administration remains firmly committed to sustaining stability in the academic calendar and ensuring continuous learning in tertiary institutions.

However, they cautioned that the “no work, no pay” policy remains an active labour regulation in Nigeria, and the government would not hesitate to apply it if university lecturers proceed with industrial action.

They warned …

“The ‘no work, no pay’ policy remains an extant labour law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the government will be guided by this law should academic activities be disrupted.”

The statement urged ASUU to reconsider its decision and embrace dialogue, reiterating that the government is open to constructive engagement at all levels to prevent avoidable disruptions within the education sector.

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