The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of all federal universities to strictly enforce the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.
This directive was contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and obtained by PUNCH Online.
The circular was also copied to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Pro-Chancellors of 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).
According to the document, the ministry expressed disappointment over the continuation of the strike despite repeated calls for dialogue, stressing that the government would no longer condone violations of existing labour laws.
“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.
Alausa directed all vice-chancellors to immediately conduct a roll call and physical headcount of academic staff in their institutions, with detailed reports on those present and performing duties, as well as those absent or participating in the strike.
He further instructed that salaries for the period of the strike be withheld from lecturers who fail to report for duty, while clarifying 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 strike — should not face any deductions.
The minister also mandated the NUC to monitor compliance and submit a consolidated report within seven days of receiving the circular.
“Please treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in national interest,” the circular added.
The development comes as ASUU commenced a two-week warning strike on Monday, October 13, to press home its demands.
The union is insisting on the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, release of withheld three and a half months’ salaries, sustainable funding for public universities, revitalisation of institutions, and an end to the alleged victimisation of lecturers at Lagos State University, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
ASUU is also demanding payment of outstanding 25–35% salary arrears, promotion arrears spanning over four years, and release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union dues.
