In a swift response to the ongoing nationwide strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of all federal universities to strictly implement the “No Work, No Pay” policy against lecturers who are not discharging their official duties.
The directive was issued through a circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
The circular, seen by reporters on Monday, was also copied to key government stakeholders, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Pro-Chancellors of federal universities, Accountant-General of the Federation, Director-General of the Budget Office, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
According to the circular, the Federal Ministry of Education expressed dissatisfaction over reports of the continued industrial action by ASUU despite repeated calls for dialogue, stressing that government would no longer tolerate non-compliance with extant labour laws.
“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 directed all vice-chancellors of federal universities to immediately conduct a roll call and physical headcount of all academic staff in their institutions.
He also instructed them to submit a comprehensive report indicating staff members who are present and performing their official duties, and those absent or participating in the strike.
Alausa further directed that salary payment for the period of work stoppage be withheld from those who fail to perform their duties.
He clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics, who are not part of the strike, are exempted from the directive and will not face any salary deductions.
The minister also tasked the NUC to monitor compliance with the directive and submit a consolidated 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.
