Federal Government Directs Implementation of 'No Work, No Pay' Policy Against ASUU Members on Strike

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Ministry of Education, under the leadership of Minister Tunji Alausa, has directed vice-chancellors of all federal universities to strictly implement the 'no work, no pay' policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) currently on strike. The directive, dated October 13, 2025, was issued in a circular copied to key government officials and institutions, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary of Education, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC). The government expressed dissatisfaction with ASUU's continued industrial action despite repeated calls for dialogue, stating that it would no longer tolerate non-compliance with labour laws. The minister directed university heads to conduct a roll call and physical headcount of all academic staff, submit reports on absent or participating staff, and withhold salary payments for those who fail to perform their duties.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Federal Ministry of Education has directed vice-chancellors to strictly implement the 'no work, no pay' policy against ASUU members on strike.
  • The directive, dated October 13, 2025, was signed by Minister Tunji Alausa and copied to key government officials and institutions.
  • The government expressed dissatisfaction with ASUU's continued industrial action and stated that it would no longer tolerate non-compliance with labour laws.
  • University heads were instructed to conduct a roll call and physical headcount of all academic staff, submit reports on absent or participating staff, and withhold salary payments for those who fail to perform their duties.
  • Members of the Congress of University Academics and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics, who are not part of the strike, are exempt from the directive and will not face salary deductions.
  • The National Universities Commission (NUC) has been tasked to monitor compliance with the directive and submit a consolidated report to the ministry within seven days.
  • ASUU is currently demanding the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, release of withheld three and a half months' salaries, and other demands including payment of outstanding salary arrears and promotion arrears.

Statistics:

  • The strike has lasted for an unspecified period.
  • ASUU is demanding the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement.
  • 3.5 months' salaries of members have been withheld.
  • ASUU members are also demanding payment of outstanding 25-35% salary arrears, payment of promotion arrears for over four years, and release of withheld third-party deductions (cooperative contributions, union check-off dues).

Sources:

  • [Circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education]