THE Federal Government has directed all vice-chancellors of federal universities across Nigeria to strictly implement the “No Work, No Pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) currently participating in the nationwide strike.
The directive, issued through a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, was obtained by News Point Nigeria on Monday.
The circular, titled “Enforcement of the Provisions of the Labour Laws in Relation to the Ongoing Strike by ASUU,” was copied to key government institutions, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Pro-Chancellors of all Federal Universities, Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
According to the document, the government expressed disappointment over ASUU’s decision to embark on another strike despite what it described as “repeated invitations to dialogue and resolve outstanding issues.”
“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 read.
Dr. Alausa, in the directive, ordered all vice-chancellors to conduct immediate roll calls and physical headcounts of all academic staff in their respective universities to determine who is performing their official duties and who is participating in the strike.
“You are to submit a detailed report indicating the names of staff members who are present and working, and those absent from duty,” the circular added.
The Minister further directed that salaries be withheld for the period of work stoppage by any academic staff who fail to perform their duties.
However, Alausa clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), two unions not participating in the ASUU strike are exempted from the directive and will continue to receive their pay.
He also tasked the National Universities Commission (NUC) to monitor full compliance and submit a consolidated report to the Ministry within seven days.
“Please, treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in national interest,” the Minister stated.
This enforcement marks the first major federal government action since ASUU declared a “total and comprehensive warning strike” on Sunday following a breakdown in negotiations.
