ASUU strike: FG declares ‘no work, no pay’ policy

The Federal Government has cautioned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) against commencing its planned strike action today, stressing that the “no work, no pay” policy remains in full effect.

This position was made known in a press statement issued on Sunday by Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, and Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, Minister of State for Education.

The statement, signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, reaffirmed government’s readiness to continue engaging ASUU constructively to achieve lasting peace in the university system.

According to the statement, “The federal government has demonstrated sincerity, patience, and goodwill in its dialogue with the Union.

“Virtually all the concerns raised by ASUU have been addressed, including the introduction of a substantial percentage of teaching allowance and significant improvements in the conditions of service of academic staff.”

Reiterating its stance on accountability and adherence to labour regulations, the ministers emphasized that the administration would enforce existing laws without compromise.

“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 in the nation’s universities.”

The government further clarified that the few outstanding matters are internal issues under the purview of university governing councils, which have recently been reconstituted to handle such responsibilities.

While expressing disappointment at ASUU’s decision to proceed with the strike despite meeting agreed timelines, the ministers emphasized that the government is determined to keep students in school.

“The government had met the deadline for presenting its position to the union as agreed, yet instead of reverting to the Ministry in continuation of dialogue, ASUU has chosen to proceed with strike action.

“This action does not reflect a spirit of cooperation or fairness to the students and the public, especially given government’s demonstrable commitment and concrete steps already taken.”

They added that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the welfare of university staff and stability of the academic calendar have remained top priorities.

“Dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path to resolving disagreements. Government remains open to engagement at any level to prevent unnecessary disruption in the education sector,” the ministers stated.

Reassuring students, parents, and the public, the statement noted that the administration remains committed to sustaining industrial harmony in tertiary institutions.

The ministers urged all academic unions to embrace dialogue and partnership rather than confrontation in the collective interest of Nigeria’s higher education.

They appealed to ASUU to reconsider its stance and return to the negotiation table for the benefit of students and the progress of the nation’s education system.

Meanwhile, ASUU has declared a two-week warning strike beginning at midnight today.

ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, announced the action during a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, explaining that it followed the federal government’s failure to respond to the union’s 14-day ultimatum issued on 28th September 2025.

He accused the government of neglecting the education sector and being insincere in its dealings with the union.

According to him, eight critical issues remain unresolved including the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, release of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries, revitalisation funding, unpaid arrears, and alleged victimisation of lecturers in LASU, KSU, and FUTO.

Piwuna expressed disappointment with the government’s recent meeting, describing it as unsatisfactory.

“It is regrettable to note that nothing significant has happened to change the position of National Executive Council (NEC) since we last briefed the press on the listed eight items as issues in dispute.

“The issues include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, release of the withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries, sustainable funding of public universities, revitalisation of universities, and cessation of the victimisation of lecturers in LASU, KSU (now Prince Abubakar Audu University) and FUTO.

“Others are payment of the outstanding 25–35 per cent salary arrears, payment of promotion arrears for over four years, and release of withheld third-party deductions (cooperative contributions and union check-off dues).

“There is nothing sufficient on ground to stop the implementation of ASUU-NEC’s resolution to embark on a two-week warning strike at the expiry of the 14-day notice given on 28th September, 2025.

“Consequently, all branches of ASUU are hereby directed to withdraw their services with effect from midnight (12:01 a.m.) on Monday, 13th October 2025. The warning strike shall be total and comprehensive, as agreed at the last NEC meeting,” he said.

Reaffirming that the union’s struggle seeks genuine reform and transformation of the university system, Piwuna appealed for understanding from Nigerians, insisting that ASUU’s cause is in defense of public education.

“History will not forgive intellectuals who watch helplessly while the working and living conditions of Nigerian academics further deteriorate,” he warned.

According to him, the government had earlier raised ASUU’s hopes by requesting three weeks to resolve pending issues before its August 2025 NEC meeting at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS). The union said it reluctantly agreed, but nothing came out of the promise.

“The pre-UDUS NEC hope was dashed without a blink. Government agents have again been pleading for more time since the expiry of the three-week promise, with nothing concrete for ASUU leadership to take to their members.

“Why will a government that has been talking to the union for more than one year through its negotiating team now resort to an ‘emergency’ to address a negotiation process which has lingered for over eight years? Is it not a demonstration of bad faith that a government would rubbish wholesale a draft agreement packaged between its representatives and those of ASUU?”