The Federal Government has warned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that it may enforce the “no-work-no-pay” policy following the union’s decision to embark on a nationwide strike.
In a statement released on Sunday night by Folasade Boriowo, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, the government accused ASUU of being uncooperative despite several attempts to prevent the industrial action.
“The Ministers further stressed that the government has continued to prioritise the welfare of university staff and the stability of the academic calendar under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“According to them, dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path to resolving disagreements, and government remains open to engagement at any level to prevent unnecessary disruption in the education sector.
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“They, however, emphasised that the ‘no work, no pay’ policy remains an extant labour law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the government will be guided by this law should academic activities be disrupted in the nation’s universities. While the government continues to demonstrate goodwill and flexibility, it will not abdicate its responsibility to uphold fairness and accountability in the use of public resources.”
The statement assured Nigerian students, parents, and the general public of the government’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability within the university system.
“Ministers appealed to all academic unions to embrace partnership and dialogue rather than confrontation, in the collective interest of the nation’s higher education system.
“They reiterated that the government’s education reform agenda is designed to enhance teaching and research conditions, promote institutional autonomy through strengthened university governance, and ensure that the academic community thrives in an environment of mutual respect, productivity, and innovation.”
ASUU had on Sunday declared a total and comprehensive warning strike beginning Monday, October 13.
The union’s demands include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of withheld three and a half months’ salaries, sustainable funding and revitalisation of public universities, and an end to the alleged victimisation of lecturers in LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.
Other demands include payment of outstanding 25–35% salary arrears, promotion arrears spanning over four years, and the release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union check-off dues.
