The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of all federal universities to immediately enforce the “no work, no pay” policy, following the commencement of the two-week warning strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
In a circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the government reaffirmed its commitment to uphold labour laws and ensure strict compliance across campuses. The memo, copied to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Pro-Chancellors, the Accountant-General, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), instructed VCs to compile attendance records and report compliance.
Dr. Alausa directed that universities carry out immediate physical headcounts of academic staff to identify those present and working, stressing that those who abandon their duties during the strike period will forfeit their salaries. He added that members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), who are not participating in the strike, should continue receiving full pay.
The federal government expressed disappointment over ASUU’s decision to embark on strike despite ongoing dialogue, warning that it would no longer tolerate disruptions to the academic calendar.
ASUU had announced the warning strike on Sunday, October 13, to press home its demands, including the conclusion of the 2009 FGN–ASUU agreement, release of withheld salaries, revitalisation funding, payment of promotion arrears, and settlement of salary differentials.
Meanwhile, the strike has crippled academic activities across major universities. From University of Abuja to University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Calabar, University of Ilorin, Kwara State University, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and Tai Solarin University of Education, classrooms remained shut and lectures suspended.
At the University of Abuja, members of CONUA continued their duties despite the strike, though most lecture halls remained closed. Similarly, at University of Jos, postgraduate students were stranded as ASUU members downed tools.
In Ogun State, the strike paralysed activities at FUNAAB, TASUED, and Olabisi Onabanjo University, while in Ebonyi and Abia states, lecturers at EBSU, AE-FUNAI, and ABSU also joined the action.
Reacting to the development, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, criticised the government’s reliance on threats, saying the “no work, no pay” policy would not resolve the crisis.
“The strike is a legitimate reaction to years of unfulfilled promises and neglect,” Ajaero said, urging the federal government to engage ASUU in good faith rather than intimidation.
The strike, which began Monday, is expected to last two weeks unless both parties reach a resolution.
