ASUU strike: FG orders enforcement of ‘no work, no pay’ policy

The Federal Government, in the memo, expressed disappointment that ASUU embarked on another round of industrial action.

By Ife Osemedua 

365Daily – The Federal Government has instructed vice-chancellors of all federal universities to immediately enforce the “No Work, No Pay” policy on striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), marking a firm escalation in its standoff with the union.

In a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the government directed university heads to ensure that no salaries are paid to lecturers who have joined the ongoing nationwide strike.

Titled “Enforcement of the Provisions of the Labour Laws in Relation to the Ongoing Strike by ASUU,” the circular was copied to several top government officials and agencies, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Pro-Chancellors of all federal universities, the Director-General of the Budget Office, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The Federal Government, in the memo, expressed disappointment that ASUU embarked on another round of industrial action “despite repeated invitations to dialogue and resolve outstanding issues.”

 

“In line with the provisions of the Labour Laws of the Federation, the Federal Government reiterates its position on the enforcement of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy in respect of any employee who fails to discharge his or her official duties during the period of strike action,” the circular stated.

 

Dr. Alausa further ordered all vice-chancellors to conduct immediate roll calls and physical headcounts of academic staff to identify those who are reporting for duty and those participating in the strike.

 

“You are to submit a detailed report indicating the names of staff members who are present and working, and those absent from duty,” the directive added.

 

The circular made clear that salaries should be suspended for all academic staff who refuse to work during the strike period. However, Alausa clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA)—two unions not involved in the ASUU strike—are exempt from the directive and will continue to receive their pay.

 

The Education Minister also directed the NUC to ensure full compliance and submit a consolidated report within seven days.

 

“Please, treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in the national interest,” Alausa stated.

 

This marks the government’s first major enforcement measure since ASUU announced what it called a “total and comprehensive warning strike” on Sunday after negotiations with the federal authorities broke down.

 

 

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