FG orders VCs to enforce ‘no work, no pay’ rule on striking lecturers

The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of federal universities to strictly implement the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) who have embarked on a 14-day warning strike.

Members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) are, however, exempted from the directive for not participating in the industrial action.

The order, issued through a circular signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and conveyed by Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, mandates university heads to conduct physical headcounts of lecturers and submit detailed reports on attendance and compliance.

Alausa said the government viewed the strike as disappointing, noting that it began despite “repeated calls for the union to embrace constructive dialogue” to resolve outstanding issues.

“In line with extant Labour Laws, the Federal Government reiterates its position on enforcing the ‘No Work, No Pay’ rule for any employee who fails to discharge official duties during the strike,” the circular read.

Vice-chancellors were instructed to immediately conduct roll calls, identify staff members who report for work, and ensure that salaries for the period of the work stoppage are withheld from those absent.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) will monitor compliance and submit a consolidated report to the ministry within seven days.

Across several universities, including the University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Ibadan (UI), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), and University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), academic activities were grounded, while examinations were halted at others such as the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and the University of Jos (UNIJOS).

In a media appearance, Dr. Alausa said the government had met all of ASUU’s key demands, including payment of earned academic allowances, postgraduate supervision stipends, and funds under the Needs Assessment Scheme.

“The President approved ₦50 billion for earned allowances, which have now been mainstreamed into salaries. Another ₦150 billion was approved for Needs Assessment, with ₦50 billion already released,” Alausa said, adding that promotion arrears have been captured in the 2026 budget.

He appealed to lecturers to return to the classrooms, stressing that “the government is fully committed to sustainable education funding and fair engagement with unions.”

However, ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, dismissed the government’s directive, saying the union is not intimidated by the threat of salary stoppage.

He accused the government of insincerity, alleging that despite promises, the Ministry of Education failed to present a long-awaited agreement document.

“We have tried every approach — meetings, letters, and consultations — but the government only listens when we go on strike,” Piwuna said. “The offer of a 25 percent salary increase is not enough to make us call off the strike.”

ASUU members began their warning strike on Monday to protest what they described as the government’s failure to fully implement previous agreements and improve university funding and conditions of service.