The Federal Government has directed all vice-chancellors of federal universities to immediately implement the “No Work, No Pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) who are participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.
According to Naija News, the directive was issued through a circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
The circular was copied to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Pro-Chancellors of federal universities, the Director-General of the Budget Office, the Accountant-GeAneral of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The ministry expressed concern over reports of continued industrial action by ASUU despite several government efforts to foster dialogue.
“In line with the provisions of 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 his or her official duties during a strike,”
the circular stated.
Dr. Alausa instructed vice-chancellors to conduct a physical headcount and roll call of all academic staff, and to submit a detailed report identifying those present and working as well as those absent or participating in the strike.
He further directed that salaries of staff who fail to perform their duties during the strike period be withheld.
However, the minister clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), who are not part of the industrial action, should be exempted from the policy.
The NUC was also mandated to monitor compliance across universities 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 emphasized.
ASUU had on Sunday declared a total and comprehensive warning strike beginning Monday, October 13.
The union’s demands include:
Conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement
Release of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries
Sustainable funding and revitalization of public universities
An end to what it described as victimization of lecturers at LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO
Payment of outstanding 25–35% salary arrears and over four years’ promotion arrears
Release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union check-off dues
The latest directive marks a renewed government stance to ensure accountability and compliance within Nigeria’s university system amid escalating tensions between ASUU and the Federal Government.
