The federal government has cautioned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that it will enforce the “no work, no pay” labour policy following the union’s decision to embark on a nationwide strike.
ASUU had earlier announced a two-week warning strike set to begin on October 13, citing years of unfulfilled promises by the government.
In a statement on Sunday, the ministry of education said ASUU has remained uncooperative despite several efforts to avert the strike.
It emphasised that the “no work, no pay” principle is an “extant labour law” in Nigeria, and the government would apply it if university operations are disrupted.
“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 read in part.
The ministry reaffirmed that dialogue remains the best means to settle disputes, adding that the government is “open to engagement at any level” to prevent “unnecessary disruption.” It also urged all academic unions to embrace “partnership and dialogue rather than confrontation.”
Reassuring students, parents, and the public, the ministry reiterated its commitment to “maintaining industrial harmony” in the tertiary education sector.
ASUU, alongside other public tertiary education unions, has long clashed with the government over the welfare and service conditions of lecturers.
The union’s current demands include the signing of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of withheld salaries, and sustainable funding for university revitalisation.
Other grievances include the payment of outstanding 25–35 per cent salary arrears and promotion arrears dating back over four years.
On October 8, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa appealed to ASUU to suspend its planned strike, assuring that discussions with aggrieved unions were nearing completion.
However, ASUU president Chris Piwuna maintained that only concrete action beyond “promises” would convince the union to reconsider its decision.