The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the “no work, no pay” policy as the nationwide strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) commenced on Monday, October 13, 2025. It also directed vice-chancellors of all federal universities to ensure strict compliance with labour regulations.
The directive was contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. The document was distributed to key stakeholders in the education sector, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, pro-chancellors of federal universities, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
According to the circular, the federal government expressed disappointment over ASUU’s decision to embark on strike despite what it described as ongoing efforts to address the union’s grievances. It further warned that it would no longer tolerate disruptions to the nation’s academic calendar.
“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.
Dr. Alausa also directed all vice-chancellors to immediately conduct roll calls and physical headcounts of academic staff to determine those performing their duties and those absent due to the strike. The salaries of staff members who fail to work during the strike are to be withheld for the duration of the industrial action.
However, the minister 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 strike, should continue to receive their full entitlements.
ASUU had declared a two-week warning strike starting October 13, to press for the completion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN–ASUU agreement, the release of withheld salaries, revitalisation funding for public universities, payment of promotion arrears, and settlement of outstanding salary differentials.
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Universities Nationwide Comply with Strike
University of Abuja (UniAbuja):
At the University of Abuja, academic activities were almost completely halted as the strike took effect. Although members of CONUA claimed they continued with scheduled lectures, most classrooms were locked, and teaching activities were not observed.
The chairman of the CONUA UniAbuja chapter, Prof. Abdul Buba, reiterated the union’s commitment to academic stability and constructive engagement with the government. He urged members to continue reporting to work and performing their duties diligently.
University of Jos (UniJos):
At the University of Jos, ASUU members joined the nationwide action, disrupting academic schedules for postgraduate students, while undergraduates remained on break.
University of Ilorin and Kwara State University (Unilorin & KWASU):
Both universities in Kwara State joined the nationwide strike after holding congresses. Dr. Alex Akanmu, ASUU Chairman at Unilorin, confirmed full participation, stressing the union’s commitment to the strike’s objectives. His counterpart at KWASU, Dr. Abdulganiyu Salau, also confirmed the development.
Ogun State Universities (FUNAAB, TASUED, OOU):
Academic activities at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB); Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED); and Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, were completely paralysed. TASUED ASUU Chairman, Dr. Adewale Ositoye, confirmed full compliance, saying the action was in obedience to the national directive.
Ebonyi State Universities (EBSU & AE-FUNAI):
Lecturers at Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki (EBSU), and Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI) also joined the strike. Dr. Joseph Igwe, ASUU Chairperson at EBSU, stated that all academic activities had been suspended pending further instructions.
Abia State University (ABSU):
In Abia State University, Uturu, the ASUU Chairman, Dr. Chidi Mbah, confirmed total compliance, noting that there was no CONUA presence in the institution.
University of Calabar (UNICAL) and University of Cross River (UNICROSS):
Lecturers at both universities joined the industrial action. Professor Peter Ubi, ASUU Chairman at UNICAL, confirmed participation, while his UNICROSS counterpart, Dr. Patrick Ushie, said their members would join since they share the same salary structure as other federal universities.
University of Ibadan (UI):
At the University of Ibadan, academic and administrative activities were completely suspended. Lecture halls and offices were locked, and campus activities slowed to a halt. ASUU UI Chairman, Dr. Adefemi Afolabi, confirmed total compliance, stating that the strike began at midnight on Sunday and would continue until further notice.
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU):
The OAU ASUU branch also joined the warning strike. Branch Chairman, Professor Anthony Odiwe, said the decision was a collective one reflecting the shared grievances of university lecturers nationwide.
Bayero University, Kano (BUK):
The strike began partially at BUK, with some students allowed to sit for their examinations before full compliance commenced.
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Labour Congress Condemns FG’s Threat
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticised the Federal Government’s threat to implement the “no work, no pay” policy against ASUU members, calling it an act of intimidation.
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, stated that the ongoing strike was a result of the government’s repeated failure to honour signed agreements. He noted that rather than addressing the underlying issues, the government was resorting to threats that would not solve the crisis in tertiary institutions.
“The commencement of this two-week warning strike is a direct consequence of the federal government’s failure to honour collectively bargained agreements. It is not an act of defiance but a legitimate response to years of neglect,” Ajaero said.
He urged the government to engage in genuine dialogue to restore stability and confidence in Nigeria’s public university system.
