FG orders enforcement of “No Work, No Pay” policy against striking Lecturers

The Federal Government has directed the implementation of the “no work, no pay” policy for university lecturers participating in the ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike.

The directive was issued in a circular dated October 13, signed by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa. The circular was addressed to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, pro-chancellors of federal universities, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Alausa expressed the government’s disappointment over ASUU’s decision to embark on a nationwide strike despite ongoing negotiations and calls for dialogue. He instructed vice-chancellors of federal universities to enforce the “no work, no pay” rule on striking lecturers, in line with existing labour laws.

“In line with extant provisions of the labour laws, 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 minister stated.

He further directed university authorities to conduct a roll call and physical headcount of all academic staff, submitting reports on those present and performing their duties. 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 were exempted from the directive.

“Ensure that salary payment for the period of work stoppage is withheld from those who fail to perform their duties,” Alausa added, noting that the NUC has been tasked with monitoring compliance and submitting a consolidated report within seven days.

ASUU had earlier declared a two-week warning strike starting from October 13, citing unresolved issues with the government, including the implementation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, withheld salaries, and inadequate funding for the revitalisation of public universities.

The government maintains that it has addressed most of the union’s demands and remains open to dialogue. The last enforcement of the “no work, no pay” policy occurred during ASUU’s eight-month strike in 2022, when lecturers’ salaries were withheld. In 2023, the government released four months’ pay as a partial waiver, while the remaining months remain part of the current dispute driving the latest industrial action.