The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of federal universities to immediately enforce a “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 an October 13 circular signed by Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, was copied to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, 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).
Expressing disappointment that the industrial action continued “despite repeated appeals for dialogue,” the ministry warned it would no longer tolerate breaches of 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.
Alausa ordered all vice-chancellors to conduct an immediate roll-call and physical headcount of academic staff and to submit detailed reports indicating those present and performing duties and those absent due to the strike. He added that salary payments should be suspended for any lecturer who fails to perform official responsibilities during the action.
The minister clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA)—which have publicly distanced themselves from the strike—must not be penalised. The NUC was instructed to monitor compliance across campuses 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 national interest,” Alausa told university administrators.
ASUU declared a total and comprehensive warning strike on Sunday, October 12, effective Monday, October 13, citing the Federal Government’s failure to address long-standing demands. The union’s issues include the conclusion and signing of the renegotiated 2009 FGN–ASUU agreement, payment of withheld salaries and arrears, sustainable funding and revitalisation of public universities, settlement of promotion arrears and third-party deductions, and an end to alleged victimisation of members at specific institutions.
CONUA reiterated on Sunday that its members would remain at work, saying there was “no basis” to declare a dispute at this time and urging constructive engagement over disruption.
The latest move sets up another confrontation between the government and ASUU, with students and parents bracing for potential academic disruptions as compliance checks begin across federal campuses.
