The Federal Government on Sunday night warned that it may enforce the no-work-no-pay policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, following the union’s decision to commence a warning strike.
In a statement signed by Folasade Boriowo, spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Education, the ministry expressed disappointment over ASUU’s decision to proceed with industrial action despite ongoing efforts by the government to prevent it.
“The Ministers further stressed that the government has continued to prioritise the welfare of university staff and the stability of the academic calendar under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“According to them, dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path to resolving disagreements, and government remains open to engagement at any level to prevent unnecessary disruption in the education sector.
“They, however, emphasised that the ‘no work, no pay’ policy remains an extant labour law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the government will be guided by this law should academic activities be disrupted in the nation’s universities. 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.”
The statement further reassured students, parents, and the general public that the Federal Government remains committed to maintaining peace and stability across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
“Ministers appealed to all academic unions to embrace partnership and dialogue rather than confrontation, in the collective interest of the nation’s higher education system.
“They reiterated that the government’s education reform agenda is designed to enhance teaching and research conditions, promote institutional autonomy through strengthened university governance, and ensure that the academic community thrives in an environment of mutual respect, productivity, and innovation.”
ASUU, on its part, announced a total and comprehensive warning strike beginning Monday, October 13.
The union listed its key demands, including the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the release of three and a half months’ withheld salaries, sustainable funding for public universities, revitalisation of infrastructure, and an end to the alleged victimisation of lecturers at Lagos State University, LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO.
Other demands include the payment of outstanding 25–35 percent salary arrears, settlement of four years’ promotion arrears, and the release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative and union check-off dues.
The government’s warning marks a renewed standoff in the long-running disputes between ASUU and the Federal Government, raising fears of another disruption to the university academic calendar.
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