The Federal Government has ordered vice-chancellors of all federal universities to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) currently engaged in the nationwide strike.
The directive, issued in a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, was obtained by the news outlet, PUNCH.
The circular was distributed to key government offices, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary of Education, Pro-Chancellors of federal universities, the Director-General of the Budget Office, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission.
The ministry expressed concern over ASUU’s continued strike despite several efforts at dialogue and warned that the government would no longer condone any breach of labour regulations.
It further reiterated that adherence to the “no work, no pay” policy remains a standing directive and must be strictly implemented across all affected institutions.
“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 reads.
The minister instructed all vice-chancellors of federal universities to promptly carry out a roll call and physical verification of all academic staff within their institutions.
He further mandated them to submit a detailed report showing staff members who are present and actively discharging their duties, as well as those absent or involved in the ongoing strike.
Alausa also ordered that salaries for the duration of the work stoppage be suspended for any staff members who fail to carry out their official responsibilities.
He explained that members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), who are not involved in the strike, are excluded from the directive and will continue to receive their full salaries.
The minister further instructed the National Universities Commission (NUC) to oversee the implementation of the directive and submit a comprehensive compliance report to the ministry within seven days of receiving the circular.
“Please, treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in national interest,” Alausa urged the university heads.