FG Orders Vice-Chancellors to Enforce ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy as ASUU Begins Two-Week Strike

The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of all federal universities to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) who commenced a two-week warning strike on Monday.

The directive, was issued through a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. It ordered all university heads to ensure strict compliance with existing labour laws, which stipulate that employees who withhold their services during industrial action are not entitled to salaries.

The Ministry of Education expressed concern over ASUU’s decision to embark on another round of industrial action despite ongoing negotiations with the government. It warned that the administration would not tolerate actions that disrupt academic calendars or violate established labour regulations.

“In line with the provisions of the Labour Laws of the Federation, the Federal Government reiterates its position on enforcing the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy on any employee who fails to discharge his or her duties during strike action,” the circular stated.

ASUU’s two-week warning strike, which began at midnight on October 13, is in protest of what the union described as the government’s consistent neglect of previous agreements and failure to improve funding for public universities.

In response, the Federal Ministry of Education maintained that dialogue remains the only acceptable path toward resolving disputes, urging the union to return to the negotiation table.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has also been directed to monitor compliance with the new directive across all federal institutions.