FG to Enforce ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy as ASUU Declares Two-Week Warning Strike — Minister Warns
The Federal Government has restated its intention to enforce the ‘no work, no pay’ policy against the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) following the union’s declaration of a two-week warning strike.
PulseNets learnt that the strike, which begins midnight on Monday, October 13, was declared over unmet demands after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the government.
According to information obtained by PulseNets from the Ministry of Education, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, maintained that while the Federal Government remains open to dialogue, it would not hesitate to apply the law should ASUU disrupt academic activities.
“The ‘no work, no pay’ policy remains an existing labour law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Government will be guided strictly by this law if academic activities are disrupted,” Dr. Alausa told PulseNets.
He emphasised that the Tinubu-led administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda had demonstrated sincerity, patience, and goodwill in addressing ASUU’s concerns, noting that nearly all major issues raised by the union had been tackled.
Among the government’s interventions, the minister highlighted the introduction of enhanced teaching allowances and improvements in the conditions of service for university lecturers.
“The few pending matters fall within the jurisdiction of university governing councils, which have now been reconstituted to address such internal issues,” the minister explained.
Despite these efforts, Dr. Alausa reported that ASUU opted for strike action rather than returning to the negotiation table, a decision he described as “unfair to students and contrary to the spirit of cooperation expected in resolving national issues.”
PulseNets learnt that the Federal Government had already met the agreed deadline for submitting its position to the union, demonstrating its commitment to dialogue and stability in the tertiary education sector.
“Government has remained committed to constructive engagement. We have shown flexibility and goodwill, but ASUU’s latest action does not reflect the same commitment,” Dr. Alausa stated.
He reiterated that the administration continues to prioritise staff welfare and the stability of Nigeria’s academic calendar, assuring students, parents, and the public of government’s unwavering dedication to maintaining industrial harmony in higher institutions.
“Our focus remains on ensuring that students stay in school, lecturers are fairly treated, and the university system functions efficiently,” he told PulseNets.
Dr. Alausa further appealed to all academic unions to embrace dialogue and partnership instead of confrontation, stressing that collaboration was key to sustaining reforms within the education sector.
“We urge ASUU to reconsider its stance and return to the dialogue table in the best interest of Nigerian students and the future of our education system,” the minister added.
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He reaffirmed that the Federal Government’s ongoing education reform agenda is aimed at strengthening university autonomy, improving research and teaching standards, and fostering innovation across tertiary institutions.
PulseNets learnt that the government is expected to continue engagements with ASUU leadership in the coming days to avert a prolonged shutdown of universities nationwide.
