The Federal Government has ordered vice-chancellors of all federal universities to immediately implement the “No Work, No Pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) currently participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.
The directive was contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and addressed to all heads of federal universities across the country.
According to the circular, the government expressed disappointment that ASUU had embarked on another industrial action despite several appeals for dialogue and ongoing efforts to address the union’s demands.
“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 directed all vice-chancellors to conduct immediate roll calls and physical headcounts of academic staff in their respective institutions. The reports, he said, should clearly indicate those present and performing their duties and those absent due to participation in the strike.
He further instructed that payment of salaries should be suspended for any lecturer who refuses to perform official responsibilities during the strike period. However, he made it clear that members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) — who are not part of the industrial action — should not be affected by the sanction.
“The ministry expects full compliance with this directive,” Alausa stated, mandating the National Universities Commission (NUC) to monitor the implementation and submit a consolidated compliance report to the ministry within seven days.
“Please treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in the national interest,” the minister added.
ASUU’s Strike and Demands
ASUU had on Sunday declared a total and comprehensive warning strike, which took effect on Monday, October 13, 2025.
The union’s demands include:
-
The conclusion and implementation of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement,
-
The release of withheld salaries and arrears,
-
Revitalisation funding for public universities, and
-
An end to alleged victimisation of union members in certain institutions.
The Ministry of Education had earlier criticised ASUU for being “uncooperative” despite several negotiation attempts and warnings, insisting that dialogue remains the most effective way to resolve the dispute.
CONUA and NAMDA Distance Themselves
Meanwhile, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has distanced itself from the ongoing strike.
In a statement, CONUA President Niyi Sunmonu said the union is committed to ensuring academic stability and peaceful dialogue with the government.
“It is important to emphasize that CONUA has no basis at this time to declare a dispute or embark on any strike action,” Sunmonu stated.
He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to maintaining constructive engagement with relevant authorities to resolve issues affecting university education in Nigeria.
