The Federal Government on Sunday night cautioned that it may invoke the no-work-no-pay policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) if they proceed with their planned industrial action.

This comes as ASUU declared a total and comprehensive warning strike beginning today, October 13.

In a statement issued by Folasade Boriowo, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, the government described ASUU’s decision as uncooperative, despite several efforts to prevent the strike. The statement emphasized that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, remains committed to prioritising the welfare of university staff and ensuring stability in the academic calendar.

“Dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path to resolving disagreements, and government remains open to engagement at any level to prevent unnecessary disruption in the education sector,” the statement partly read.

The ministry, however, reminded the union that the no-work-no-pay policy remains an existing labour law in Nigeria and would be enforced if academic activities are disrupted.

“While the government continues to demonstrate goodwill and flexibility, it will not abdicate its responsibility to uphold fairness and accountability in the use of public resources,” the statement added.

Reassuring students, parents, and the general public, the ministry affirmed its dedication to maintaining industrial peace in tertiary institutions. It urged all academic unions to embrace dialogue rather than confrontation, noting that ongoing education reform efforts aim to enhance teaching and research conditions, promote institutional autonomy, and ensure that universities operate in an environment of respect, productivity, and stability.