Federal Government has warned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that it will enforce the no work, no pay policy if the union proceeds with its planned nationwide strike.
Gatekeepers News reports that ASUU had earlier announced a two-week warning strike beginning October 13, citing the government’s prolonged failure to meet its long-standing demands.
In a statement on Sunday, the Ministry of Education expressed disappointment over ASUU’s decision, saying the union had remained uncooperative despite the government’s continuous efforts to avert the strike.
The ministry reaffirmed that the no work, no pay policy is a binding labour policy in Nigeria and would be applied if academic activities across public universities are halted.
It added, “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.”
It further emphasised that dialogue remains the most viable approach to resolving labour disputes and reiterated the government’s readiness for open engagement at all levels to avoid unnecessary disruption.
The ministry urged university staff unions to embrace collaboration and dialogue instead of confrontation.
It also reassured students, parents, and the general public of the government’s commitment to preserving industrial peace within the higher education system.
ASUU has continued to clash with the government over issues such as conditions of service, withheld salaries, and funding for university revitalisation.
The union’s key demands include the signing of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, release of withheld payments, and settlement of 25–35% salary arrears and promotion backlogs spanning four years.
Earlier, on October 8, Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, appealed to ASUU to suspend the planned strike, assuring that discussions with concerned unions were ongoing. Despite the appeal, the strike plan remained unchanged.
