The Federal Government has instructed vice-chancellors of all federal universities to fully apply the “no work, no pay” policy to lecturers of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) taking part in the ongoing nationwide strike.
A circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, confirmed the directive.
Copies of the document were sent to several top offices, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary 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).
Government Stance on the Strike
The Federal Ministry of Education expressed disappointment over the continuation of the strike, saying repeated appeals for dialogue had been ignored. It stated that the government would strictly uphold existing labour laws to maintain order in public universities.
The circular reaffirmed the government’s position:
“In line with the Labour Laws of the Federation, the Federal Government maintains that any employee who fails to perform official duties during a strike will not receive payment for that period.”
Immediate Action Required from Universities
Dr. Alausa instructed all vice-chancellors to carry out a roll call and physical headcount of academic staff in their institutions.
They must then prepare a detailed report showing which lecturers are working and which are on strike.
He also directed that salaries for staff who do not report to work during the strike should be withheld.
Exempted Academic Unions
The directive excludes members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), as these groups are not part of the ongoing strike. Their salaries will continue to be paid in full.
Oversight and Compliance
The NUC has been asked to monitor how universities comply with this order and to present a comprehensive report to the ministry within seven days.
Dr. Alausa urged university leaders to treat the issue with urgency and responsibility, saying the matter concerns national interest.
ASUU had on Sunday announced a total and comprehensive warning strike to begin Monday, October 13.
ASUU’s Demands
The union’s demands include:
- Finalising the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement
- Payment of three and a half months’ withheld salaries
- Sustainable funding and revitalisation of public universities
- Ending the victimisation of lecturers at LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO
- Settlement of 25–35% salary arrears and promotion arrears outstanding for over four years
- Release of withheld third-party deductions, such as cooperative contributions and union dues.