The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of all federal universities to strictly implement the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.
The directive, contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, was signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and obtained by DIP CONNECT Online.
The circular was also copied to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities, Director-General of the Budget Office, Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Expressing dissatisfaction over the continued industrial action despite repeated calls for dialogue, the ministry warned that government would no longer tolerate 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.
Dr. Alausa directed all vice-chancellors to immediately conduct a roll call and physical headcount of all academic staff, indicating those present and performing their duties as well as those absent or involved in the strike. He ordered that salary payments for the period of work stoppage be withheld from any staff member not performing official duties.
However, the minister clarified 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, are exempted from salary deductions.
The NUC was also instructed to monitor compliance with the directive and submit a consolidated report to the ministry within seven days of receiving the circular.
“Please treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in the national interest,” Alausa urged university heads.
The directive follows earlier warnings by the federal government amid ASUU’s decision to embark on a total and comprehensive warning strike beginning Monday, October 13.
ASUU’s demands include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, release of withheld three and a half months’ salaries, sustainable funding and revitalisation of public universities, and an end to the victimisation of lecturers at LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.
Other demands include payment of outstanding 25–35% salary arrears, promotion arrears spanning over four years, and release of withheld third-party deductions, including cooperative contributions and union check-off dues.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
