The Federal Government has warned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that it may enforce the no-work-no-pay policy if the union proceeds with its planned strike.
In a statement issued Sunday night by the spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, the ministry expressed disappointment over ASUU’s decision to embark on industrial action despite ongoing efforts by the government to resolve outstanding issues.
The statement noted that the government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, remains committed to improving the welfare of university workers and ensuring stability in the academic calendar.
> “Dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path to resolving disagreements,” the statement read. “While the government continues to show goodwill and flexibility, it will not hesitate to apply the no-work-no-pay rule, which is an extant labour law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
According to the ministry, the government will continue to engage with all academic unions to maintain industrial harmony in the tertiary education system. It also reassured students, parents, and the general public of its commitment to preventing disruptions in universities.
ASUU, however, announced on Sunday that it would begin a total and comprehensive warning strike starting Monday, October 13.
The union’s demands include:
The conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement
Release of withheld three and a half months’ salaries
Sustainable funding and revitalisation of public universities
An end to the alleged victimisation of lecturers in LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO
Payment of outstanding 25–35% salary arrears and over four years of promotion arrears
Release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union check-off dues
The statement further urged academic unions to adopt dialogue rather than confrontation, stressing that the government’s reform agenda is aimed at improving teaching and research conditions, promoting university autonomy, and fostering innovation in higher education.
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