The Federal Government of Nigeria has warned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that it will invoke the “No Work, No Pay” policy following the union’s decision to embark on a two-week warning strike across public universities.
The strike, which commenced at midnight on Sunday, was declared by ASUU’s National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, who accused the government of failing to honour existing agreements and address critical issues affecting the university system.
READ ALSO: ASUU Ignores FG’s Appeal to Suspend Strike
However, the Federal Government has maintained that dialogue remains the most constructive and sustainable means of resolving disputes in the education sector.
FG Reiterates Commitment to Dialogue
In a joint statement issued by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, the government said it had presented a comprehensive offer to ASUU and was awaiting the union’s official response.
According to the statement, the government’s proposal covers key demands, including improved working conditions, staff welfare, institutional governance, and the introduction of a revised Teaching Allowance to better reflect the value of academic work.
“All matters relating to the review of conditions of service have been duly addressed, except those within the jurisdiction of individual university governing councils, which are actively being handled,” the ministers stated.
READ ALSO: ASUU Begins Mobilisation for Strike as Ultimatum Nears Expiration
They emphasised that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated sincerity and commitment to university reform through policy interventions and increased funding.
“While government remains committed to peaceful dialogue, it will equally enforce existing laws to protect the integrity of our education system,” the statement added.
ASUU Defends Strike Action
Announcing the industrial action in Abuja on Sunday, ASUU’s National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, said the warning strike became inevitable after the government failed to act on the union’s 14-day ultimatum.
He lamented that the government’s approach to negotiations had been marked by “deception, delay, and inconsistency,” adding that the outcome of a recent meeting of the FGN/ASUU 2009 Agreement Renegotiation Committee was “disappointing and provocative.”
“The documents presented by government officials were a total departure from the spirit of the Nimi Briggs-led renegotiated agreement and incapable of dousing industrial tension across campuses,” Piwuna said.
ASUU listed its demands to include the conclusion and signing of the renegotiated 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement, payment of withheld salaries and arrears, revitalization funding, and an end to the victimization of lecturers in certain universities.
Piwuna warned that the union may proceed with an indefinite and comprehensive strike if the Federal Government fails to address the issues within the two-week warning period.
READ ALSO: No binding agreement between FG and ASUU- Minister
“It is a betrayal of historic responsibility if we continue to fall for the government’s deception and manipulation,” he said.
CONUA Declines to Join Strike
In contrast, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has announced that its members will not join the strike, maintaining that there was no valid reason to declare a trade dispute.
Its National President, Dr Niyi Sunmonu, stated that strike actions have historically failed to yield sustainable outcomes and only worsened conditions for students, parents, and lecturers.
“We just want the vice-chancellors and the Federal Government to respect our decision. CONUA members nationwide are not on strike and have not declared any,” Sunmonu said.
He stressed that CONUA favours dialogue, evidence-based negotiation, and constructive engagement over industrial action.
Students Call for Urgent Resolution
Reacting to the development, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) appealed to both parties to find a quick resolution to prevent further disruption of academic activities.
The association’s National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Adeyemi Samson Ajasa, said NANS had made concerted efforts to mediate between the government and ASUU, warning that prolonged strikes would only deepen the crisis in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
READ ALSO: ASUU Threatens ‘Mother of All Strikes’ Over Unmet 2009 Agreement
“Our position is clear, both ASUU and the Federal Government must prioritize the interests of students and the future of our education system,” Ajasa said.
Government Warns of Legal Consequences
Reiterating its stance, the Federal Government reminded ASUU that the “No Work, No Pay” policy remains a valid provision under Nigerian labour law and will be applied if lecturers continue with the strike.
“While government remains open to constructive engagement, it will not hesitate to enforce existing labour laws to ensure accountability and protect the integrity of our universities,” the ministers warned.
They reaffirmed that President Tinubu’s administration remains steadfast in its commitment to staff welfare, university autonomy, and the revitalization of Nigeria’s education system.
