NLC to FG: Withdraw ‘no work, no pay’ policy against ASUU or face action

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to withdraw its threat to implement the ‘no work, no pay’ policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), warning that it will take further action if the union’s demands are not met within two weeks.

In a statement issued on Monday, October 13, 2025, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, criticised the government’s stance, describing it as counterproductive and insensitive to the root causes of ASUU’s ongoing warning strike.

Ajaero expressed concern over the persistent underfunding of public universities and the government’s repeated failure to honour agreements reached with academic unions.

Ajaero said such neglect has continued to weaken Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

Ajaero stated: “The two-week warning strike by ASUU is a direct consequence of the Federal Government’s refusal to honour collectively bargained agreements.

“Instead of engaging in genuine dialogue, the government has chosen to issue threats.

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“The real breach lies with the state, not the lecturers. They are willing to work, but the government’s failure to fulfil its obligations has made that difficult.”

The NLC boss added that the current crisis goes beyond a labour dispute, noting that it reflects the growing inequality in the nation’s education system.

He said: “While the children of the elite study abroad or in private universities, the children of the working class are trapped in an underfunded and neglected public system.

“This widening gap undermines social mobility and threatens the future of our country.”

Ajaero reaffirmed the NLC’s solidarity with ASUU and other tertiary education unions, calling on the federal government to drop its threats and focus on implementing the agreements it voluntarily signed.

Ajaero warned that if the government fails to act within the two-week window of ASUU’s warning strike, the NLC would mobilise a nationwide response in defence of public education.

He said: “The struggle of ASUU is the struggle of every Nigerian worker.

“The fight for quality and accessible education is a fight for Nigeria’s future.

“The government must either honour its agreements and save public education, or face a united and determined Nigerian workforce.”

The Star