The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of federal universities to immediately implement the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.
The directive was contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
The document was copied to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, 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.
According to the circular, the ministry expressed dissatisfaction with reports of continued industrial action by ASUU despite repeated appeals for dialogue.
“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.
The minister instructed vice-chancellors to conduct a physical headcount and roll call of all academic staff and submit a detailed report identifying those who are present and working, and those absent or participating in the strike.
He also ordered that salaries of staff who fail to perform their duties during the strike period should be withheld.
Alausa clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics, who are not participating in the strike, would be exempted from the policy.
The minister mandated the NUC to monitor compliance and submit a consolidated report to the ministry within seven days.
“Please, treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in the national interest,” Alausa told university heads.
ASUU had on Sunday declared a total and comprehensive two-week warning strike beginning Monday, October 13, 2025.
The union’s demands include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, release of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries, sustainable funding and revitalization of public universities, and an end to what it described as the victimization of lecturers at Lagos State University, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
Other demands include payment of outstanding 25 to 35 per cent salary arrears, payment of over four years’ promotion arrears, and release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union check-off dues.
The government’s decision to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy marks an escalation in the standoff between the administration and the academic union, raising concerns about the potential prolongation of the strike and its impact on students in public universities nationwide.
The policy was previously implemented during past ASUU strikes, including the eight-month industrial action in 2022, which led to significant salary deductions for striking lecturers and heightened tensions between the government and the union.
