ASUU Strike: FG enforces “No Work, No Pay” policy
As the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) commenced its two-week nationwide strike, the Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of federal universities to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy.
This is coming as members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) have appealed to university authorities for protection to enable them to continue with lectures during the strike.
The Federal Government’s directive was contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and addressed to key education stakeholders, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, pro-chancellors of federal universities, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
READ ALSO: ASUU to begin 2-week strike on Monday
The circular expressed the government’s disappointment over ASUU’s decision to embark on another strike despite ongoing engagement efforts, warning that disruptions to the academic calendar would no longer be tolerated.
“In line with existing labour regulations, any employee who fails to discharge official duties during a strike period will not be entitled to remuneration for that period,” Alausa stated.
The minister directed vice-chancellors to immediately conduct roll calls and physical headcounts of academic staff in their institutions, with detailed reports indicating those who are at work and those absent due to the strike.
READ ALSO: FG pleads with ASUU, vows holistic resolution of lingering issues
Salaries of staff who fail to work are to be withheld for the duration of the industrial action.
He, however, clarified that 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, should continue to receive their full entitlements.
ASUU had on Sunday declared a total and comprehensive warning strike for two weeks beginning Monday, October 13, to press home its seven-point demands.
These include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN–ASUU agreement, release of withheld salaries, revitalisation funding for public universities, payment of promotion arrears, and settlement of outstanding salary differentials, among others.
Meanwhile, members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), University of Abuja Chapter, have sought protection from the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Matthew Adamu, to continue lectures.
READ ASLO: The 2009 ASUU Agreement: A mirror of government failure, by Dr. Tukur Madu Yemi
In a letter dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Chairman, Prof. Abdul Buba, and Secretary, Prof. Issa Abdulraheem, the union asked that its members be “protected from any institutional onslaught or adverse treatment arising from their lawful decision to continue working.”
Titled “Clarification on CONUA’s non-participation in any ongoing strike action,” the letter reaffirmed the union’s commitment to its non-strike policy.
“Following nationwide congresses held between 18 and 24 September 2025, CONUA unanimously reaffirmed its non-strike policy as a matter of principle and responsibility.
“Consequently, members of CONUA should be regarded as not on strike and are expected to carry out their normal academic duties.
“The union therefore kindly urges that CONUA members be protected from any institutional onslaught or adverse treatment arising from their lawful decision to continue working,” the letter stated.
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