The Federal Government has ordered all vice-chancellors of federal universities nationwide to strictly implement the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) who are currently participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.
This directive was issued in a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. The circular was also sent to key government officials, including the Head of the Civil Service, the Permanent Secretary of Education, Pro-Chancellors of federal universities, the Director-General of the Budget Office, the Accountant-General, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The Ministry of Education expressed dissatisfaction over ASUU’s continued industrial action despite repeated calls for dialogue and warned that the government will no longer tolerate non-compliance with labour laws.
“In line with the Labour Laws of the Federation, the Federal Government reiterates its position on enforcing the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy for any employee who fails to discharge official duties during the strike period,” the circular stated.
Vice-chancellors have been instructed to immediately conduct roll calls and physical headcounts of academic staff at their institutions. They must submit detailed reports identifying staff who are present and working and those absent due to the strike.
Salaries for the period of work stoppage will be withheld for those who fail to perform their duties.
Members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), who are not participating in the strike, are exempt from this directive and will not face salary deductions.
The National Universities Commission has been tasked with monitoring compliance and is expected to submit a consolidated report to the Ministry of Education within seven days of receiving the circular.
Minister Alausa urged university heads to treat the directive with urgency and responsibility in the national interest.
This enforcement follows earlier government threats to apply the no-work-no-pay policy amid the ongoing ASUU strike.
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