The Federal Government has ordered the strict enforcement of the “No Work, No Pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) who have embarked on strike action.
In a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON), the ministry expressed dissatisfaction with the continued industrial action by ASUU, despite repeated calls for dialogue to resolve outstanding issues in the tertiary education sector.
The minister directed all Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities to immediately conduct a roll call and physical headcount of all academic staff, clearly indicating those who are at work and those participating in the strike. He further instructed that salaries of absent lecturers be withheld in line with the Labour Laws of the Federation.
According to the circular:
> “All Vice-Chancellors are to ensure strict application of this provision. Salary payment for the period of work stoppage must be withheld from those who fail to perform their duties.”
However, the directive exempts 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.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has been mandated to monitor compliance and submit a consolidated report to the Ministry within seven days.
Dr. Alausa urged all university administrators to treat the matter with urgency and a deep sense of national responsibility.
> “The Ministry remains committed to ensuring stability in the university system through dialogue and respect for the rule of law,” the circular concluded.
