The cold war between the Nigerian government and striking universities lecturers has taken a new twist as the Federal Government has instructed vice-chancellors of all federal universities in the country to start enforcement of “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.
JESNews reports that university teachers are presently on industrial action on account of the inability of the federal government to meet their outstanding demands.
The directive was passed via a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
“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 circular was copied to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Permanent Secretary of Education, Pro-Chancellors of all federal universities, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the NUC.
With the directive, observers are not watching to see the reaction of ASUU members, who from hindsight would not take lightly this hardline stance of the federal government.
