Federal Government Directs Universities to Enforce 'No Work, No Pay' Policy Amid Ongoing ASUU Strike

The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a directive to the vice-chancellors of federal universities to enforce the 'no work, no pay' policy for members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) participating in the ongoing nationwide strike. The directive, signed by Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa, was issued in a circular dated October 13, 2025, and requires vice-chancellors to conduct roll calls and physical headcounts of academic staff, submit detailed reports on staff present and performing duties versus those absent due to the strike, and suspend salaries for lecturers failing to perform official responsibilities during the strike period. The directive also tasks the National Universities Commission (NUC) with monitoring compliance and submitting a consolidated report to the ministry within seven days.

Key Takeaways:

• The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors to enforce the 'no work, no pay' policy for ASUU members participating in the nationwide strike.
• The directive, signed by Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa, was issued in a circular dated October 13, 2025, and requires vice-chancellors to conduct roll calls and physical headcounts of academic staff.
• Members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), who are not part of the strike, are exempt from the policy.
• The NUC has been tasked with monitoring compliance and submitting a consolidated report to the ministry within seven days.
• The ASUU strike, which began on October 13, 2025, is disrupting academic activities in universities nationwide and raising concerns about delayed academic calendars and student welfare.
• The ASUU demands include the completion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, release of withheld salaries and arrears, funding for revitalization of public universities, and an end to alleged victimization of union members.

Statistics:

• The ASUU strike has been ongoing since October 13, 2025.
• The directive requires vice-chancellors to submit a consolidated report to the ministry within 7 days.
• The NUC will monitor compliance and submit a report to the ministry.

Sources:

• Circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa.
• Newspapers and online news sources reporting on the ASUU strike and government directive.
• ASUU official statements and demands.