As the nationwide strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) enters its second day, the Federal Government has directed all federal universities to conduct an immediate physical headcount of their academic staff to enforce compliance with its “No Work, No Pay” policy.
The directive was contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and addressed to vice-chancellors, pro-chancellors, and other key education stakeholders.
According to the circular, the government reaffirmed its commitment to the “No Work, No Pay” principle, insisting that lecturers who fail to perform their official duties during the strike period would forfeit their salaries.
“In line with existing labour regulations, any employee who fails to discharge official duties during a strike period will not be entitled to remuneration for that period,”
— the circular stated.
The directive further instructed university administrators to take roll calls and conduct physical verification of lecturers currently working on campuses. They are to submit detailed reports identifying those who are on duty and those who have joined the strike.
Copies of the circular were also sent to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Dr. Alausa expressed the government’s disappointment over ASUU’s decision to embark on strike “despite ongoing engagement efforts,” warning that the administration would no longer tolerate disruptions to the academic calendar.
The circular, however, clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA)—who are not participating in the industrial action—should continue to receive their full entitlements.
NLC Backs ASUU, Warns Against Intimidation
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed solidarity with ASUU, warning the Federal Government to address the lecturers’ demands or risk a broader labour confrontation.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC condemned the government’s reliance on the “No Work, No Pay” threat, describing it as “an act of intimidation that will only worsen the crisis in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.”
“The commencement of a two-week warning strike by ASUU is a direct consequence of the Federal Government’s refusal to honour collectively bargained agreements,”
— Ajaero said.
“The breach of contract lies with the state, not the scholars. Lecturers are willing to work, but government’s failure to honour its commitments has made it impossible for them to do so with dignity.”
The NLC also warned that failure to resolve the impasse could deepen the educational divide and jeopardize the future of millions of Nigerian youths.
“The struggle of ASUU is our struggle. The fight for public education is a fight for Nigeria’s future,”
— the Congress added, vowing to mobilize its affiliates nationwide if government fails to act before the end of ASUU’s two-week warning strike.
ASUU Maintains “No Pay, No Work” Stand
Reacting to the government’s directive, ASUU’s Akure Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Adeola Egbetokun, dismissed the headcount order, describing it as “a familiar tactic that will not deter the union.”
“Our members are ready. Dr. Alausa should also know that there is what is called ‘No Pay, No Work,’”
— he said.
“It was the government’s insincerity and lack of commitment that pushed us to this point.”
Egbetokun further accused the Education Ministry of abandoning progress made during negotiations led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, adding that government had unilaterally jettisoned a draft agreement containing several concessions from ASUU.
“We had engaged in collective bargaining and reached a draft agreement, but government chose to become recalcitrant,” he stated.
ASUU declared a two-week warning strike on October 13, citing years of unfulfilled agreements and neglect of the education sector.
The Ministry of Education, however, insists that dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving the lingering crisis, reiterating that “No Work, No Pay” will stand.
