The Federal Government has ordered vice-chancellors of federal universities to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy on members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) currently on strike across the country.
The directive was contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. Copies of the memo were also sent to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary of Education, Pro-Chancellors of federal universities, the Director-General of the Budget Office, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
In the circular, the ministry expressed dismay over the continuation of the industrial action despite repeated appeals for dialogue. It cautioned that the government would no longer condone actions violating established 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.
Dr. Alausa instructed all vice-chancellors to conduct an immediate roll call and physical headcount of lecturers within their institutions, submitting detailed reports identifying those working and those absent due to the strike.
He further stated that salaries should be withheld from any academic staff who fail to perform their duties during the industrial action, while clarifying that members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) who are not involved in the strike must not be sanctioned.
“The ministry expects full compliance with this directive,” Alausa stated, directing the NUC to oversee enforcement and forward a consolidated compliance report to the ministry within seven days.
“Please treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in national interest,” the minister told university administrators.
ASUU had on Sunday announced a total and comprehensive warning strike, which took effect on Monday, October 13.
The union’s demands include finalising the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, releasing withheld salaries and arrears, providing revitalisation funding for public universities, and ending alleged victimisation of members in certain institutions.
