Strike: Reconsider Or Face No Work, No Pay Consequence – FG Tells ASUU

The Federal Government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reconsider its planned strike, warning that it would enforce the “No Work, No Pay” policy if the union proceeds with industrial action.

In a joint statement, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, said the government remains committed to dialogue as the most effective and sustainable means of resolving disputes in the tertiary education sector.

They disclosed that the Federal Government has made a comprehensive offer addressing ASUU’s major concerns, including working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare, and is awaiting the union’s formal response.

According to the Ministers, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has approved an enhanced teaching allowance to reflect the value of academic work and motivate lecturers across public universities. They added that all issues relating to the review of conditions of service have been substantially addressed, except those under the jurisdiction of university governing councils, which are already being handled.

“The Federal Government remains open and committed to continued engagement with ASUU once their formal response to the offer is received,” the statement noted, adding that the administration has demonstrated sincerity through prompt policy actions and financial interventions.

The Ministers expressed concern that ASUU has not reciprocated this gesture and appears determined to proceed with the strike despite ongoing engagements. They reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of lecturers and the stability of the university system, emphasising that ongoing reforms in the education sector are driven by fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening.

While restating the government’s respect for university autonomy, the statement clarified that certain aspects of ASUU’s demands—particularly those relating to appointments, promotions, and internal governance—are statutory responsibilities of university governing councils. The Ministers urged the union to allow such issues to be resolved at the institutional level, in line with existing regulations.

They reminded the union that the principle of “No Work, No Pay” remains a standing provision of Nigerian labour law and would be applied if the strike goes ahead. “While government remains committed to peaceful dialogue, it will also enforce existing laws to protect the integrity of our education system and ensure accountability,” they warned.

Reaffirming the administration’s openness to dialogue, the Ministers assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is committed to revitalising universities, improving staff welfare, and ensuring an uninterrupted academic calendar.

“The government has shown sincerity and commitment through engagements and policy actions. We are confident that, with continued dialogue, every legitimate concern can be addressed and resolved without shutting down our campuses. Our students must remain in school,” the statement read.

They urged ASUU to prioritise the future of students and the stability of the university system, stressing that the government remains ready to work with the union to consolidate the gains already achieved in staff welfare, infrastructure, and institutional reforms.