The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the “no work, no pay” policy as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) commenced a nationwide strike on Monday.
In a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the government directed vice-chancellors of all federal universities to ensure full compliance with labour laws and to submit attendance and compliance reports.
The circular, addressed to key stakeholders—including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, pro-chancellors of federal universities, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC)—expressed government’s disappointment over ASUU’s decision to proceed with industrial action despite ongoing dialogue.
“In line with existing labour regulations, any employee who fails to discharge official duties during a strike period will not be entitled to remuneration for that period,” the circular stated.
Dr. Alausa directed vice-chancellors to conduct roll calls and physical headcounts of all academic staff, identifying those present and performing duties as well as those absent due to the strike. Salaries of staff who fail to work are to be withheld for the duration of the industrial action.
However, the minister clarified 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 to receive their full entitlements.
ASUU declared a two-week warning strike beginning Monday, October 13, to press home its demands, which include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN–ASUU agreement, release of withheld salaries, revitalisation funding for public universities, payment of promotion arrears, and settlement of outstanding salary differentials.
