FG Warns ASUU Over Planned Strike, Reaffirms ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy

The Federal Government has cautioned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) against its planned two-week warning strike, reminding the union that the “no work, no pay” policy remains in force for workers who withdraw their services.

In a joint statement issued by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, the government reiterated its readiness for continued dialogue, stressing that most of the union’s demands have already been addressed.

The ministers noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made significant progress in resolving long-standing issues affecting university lecturers, including the introduction of improved teaching allowances and a review of academic staff conditions of service.

According to the statement, “The few outstanding issues raised by ASUU are within the jurisdiction of the governing councils of individual universities, which have now been reconstituted to handle such internal matters.”

The government expressed disappointment over ASUU’s decision to embark on strike despite what it described as its “demonstrated sincerity, patience, and goodwill.”

“The Federal Government met all agreed timelines in presenting its position to the union. Rather than continue engagement, ASUU has chosen confrontation, which does not reflect fairness to students and the Nigerian public,” the statement added.

Dr. Alausa and Prof. Ahmed urged the union to reconsider its decision, noting that dialogue remains the most sustainable means of resolving industrial disputes in the education sector.

They assured students, parents, and other stakeholders that the Tinubu administration remains committed to maintaining peace and stability in the nation’s tertiary institutions under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The statement further appealed to all academic unions to embrace partnership and constructive engagement rather than confrontation, in the overall interest of the nation’s higher education system.