FG reaffirms ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy as ASUU begins Two-Week warning strike

As the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) begins a two-week warning strike, the Federal Government has reiterated that the “No Work, No Pay” policy remains an active labour law in Nigeria and will be applied if academic activities are disrupted across public universities.

In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, the government emphasised its commitment to fairness and accountability in the management of public resources. It noted that while the government continues to show goodwill and flexibility in dealing with the union, it would not overlook its responsibility to uphold the law.

The statement also assured students, parents, and the general public that the Federal Government remains determined to maintain peace and stability in the tertiary education system. The Minister of Education urged all academic unions to prioritise dialogue and partnership over confrontation in the collective interest of the nation’s higher institutions.

ASUU had on Sunday announced a total and comprehensive two-week warning strike in all public universities nationwide.

At a press conference held at the University of Abuja, the union’s National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, said there had been no tangible progress from the government despite several attempts to avoid industrial action.

He noted that the 14-day ultimatum issued on September 28, 2025, had expired without any meaningful response from the authorities. Consequently, all ASUU branches have been directed to withdraw their services from midnight on Monday, October 13, 2025.

According to Piwuna, the strike would be “total and comprehensive,” in line with the resolutions reached at the union’s last National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

Last Wednesday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, had appealed to ASUU to suspend its planned strike, assuring that the Federal Government is working to meet the union’s demands. He disclosed that the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee has been reconstituted and inaugurated to fast-track discussions with academic and non-academic unions in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Alausa added that President Bola Tinubu has directed all relevant authorities to ensure that efforts are made to prevent any further disruption in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.