The Federal Government has ordered Vice Chancellors of federal universities to enforce the “No Work, No Pay” policy on members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) who are participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.
This directive was issued via a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. The circular was also distributed to key government stakeholders, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary of Education, 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).
In the circular, the Ministry of Education expressed its disappointment over ASUU’s continued industrial action, despite repeated appeals for dialogue. The government emphasized that it would no longer tolerate violations 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.
To ensure compliance, Dr. Alausa directed all Vice Chancellors to immediately conduct a roll call and physical headcount of academic staff across their institutions. Universities are expected to submit detailed reports distinguishing staff who are present and performing their duties from those absent due to the strike.
The minister further instructed that salary payments be withheld from lecturers who are not fulfilling their duties during the strike period. However, he made it clear that members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) — both of which are not participating in the strike — should not be affected by the salary suspension.
Dr. Alausa emphasized the urgency of the directive, tasking the NUC with monitoring compliance and submitting 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,” the circular concluded.
The move signals a tougher stance from the government as the standoff with ASUU continues, raising questions about the future of industrial relations in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
Everyday.ng reports that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) commences a nationwide two-week warning strike, a splinter group, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), made it clear that it is not participating in the industrial action.
The strike, which officially began at midnight on Monday, October 13, 2025, has disrupted academic activities across federal and state universities. ASUU’s leadership says the move was prompted by the Federal Government’s continued failure to address long-standing issues affecting Nigeria’s public university system.
At a press conference held at the University of Abuja, ASUU National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, announced the union’s decision, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued on September 28.
“The strike will be total and comprehensive,” Prof. Piwuna said, noting that the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) had unanimously agreed to down tools. ASUU’s core demands include better working conditions, increased university autonomy, and the full implementation of previous agreements reached with the government.
However, CONUA, in a swift and firm response, issued a statement distancing itself from the strike.
In a release signed by its National President, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, the group stated:
“Recent misinformation circulating across some platforms has created unnecessary confusion within the academic community and among students. This clarification is therefore issued to set the record straight.”
Dr. Sunmonu emphasized that CONUA remains committed to academic stability and is not part of any strike action. He called on members to continue with their academic and administrative duties, engage with students, and uphold professional responsibilities.
According to CONUA, there is currently no justification for its members to join a strike, as the union is not in dispute with the Federal Government. The group cited recent progress in negotiations, including its eventual inclusion in the expanded 2009 Agreement Renegotiation Committee—a move it says came after sustained dialogue with the Ministry of Education.
Dr. Sunmonu highlighted a key meeting with the Minister of Education on September 11, 2025, where CONUA’s exclusion from the committee was formally addressed. The Ministry has since taken steps to correct this by expanding the renegotiation body to include all relevant academic unions.
Following this, CONUA members held congresses across universities from September 18 to 24, where a collective decision was reached not to embark on any strike action. The group insists that engagement—not disruption—is the best way to resolve ongoing challenges in the university system.
In conclusion, CONUA appealed to university administrators to ensure the safety of its members and encouraged students to remain focused on their studies without fear of disruption.
“Our unwavering focus is on building a sustainable, innovative, and productive academic environment that serves the interests of students, scholars, and the nation,” the statement read.
While ASUU and the Federal Government remain at loggerheads, CONUA’s stance suggests a widening divide in Nigeria’s academic labor landscape—with implications for the future of industrial relations in the country’s higher education system.
