The Federal Government has ordered vice-chancellors of all federal universities to begin enforcing the “no work, no pay” policy on members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
The directive came through a circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
University lecturers are currently on strike over the government’s failure to meet their long-standing demands.
“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.
The letter was copied to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Director-General of the Budget Office, the Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry, Pro-Chancellors of federal universities, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the NUC.
Alausa instructed all vice-chancellors to conduct a roll call and physical headcount of all academic staff to determine those who are on duty and those participating in the strike.
He also directed that salaries of lecturers who fail to perform their duties be withheld for the duration of the work stoppage.
However, 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 exempted and will continue to receive their pay.
The minister further asked the NUC to monitor compliance and submit a consolidated report within seven days.
“Please, treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in national interest,” Alausa said.
ASUU had on Sunday declared a total and comprehensive warning strike starting from Monday, October 13.
The union’s demands include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, release of withheld three and a half months’ salaries, proper funding and revitalisation of public universities, and an end to the victimisation of lecturers at LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.
Other demands include payment of 25 to 35 percent salary arrears, promotion arrears spanning four years, and release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative and union dues.
