The Federal Government has warned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) against proceeding with its planned two-week warning strike, reiterating that the ‘no work, no pay’ policy remains in force.
The warning was issued on Sunday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, through the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Folasade Boriowo.
ASUU had earlier announced a two-week warning strike, effective from midnight on Monday, 13 October, citing the government’s failure to meet its long-standing demands despite the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum.
Dr. Alausa, however, urged ASUU to reconsider its position and return to dialogue, emphasising that the Federal Government remained open to constructive engagement to address unresolved issues in the university system.
“Although the government is making all efforts to resolve the issues and ensure that students remain in school, ASUU is not operating with the same zeal,” Alausa said.
The minister maintained that the government had shown sincerity and goodwill in previous negotiations, addressing most of ASUU’s concerns, including the introduction of improved teaching allowances and enhanced conditions of service for academic staff.
He added that the few outstanding matters fall within the jurisdiction of the newly reconstituted governing councils of the respective universities, which are expected to handle such internal issues.
Alausa expressed disappointment that the union opted for industrial action despite the government meeting the agreed deadline for presenting its position to the union.
“This action does not reflect a spirit of cooperation or fairness to students and the public, especially given the government’s demonstrable commitment and concrete steps already taken,” he said.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of university staff and maintaining a stable academic calendar under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He stressed that while the government would continue to engage ASUU in dialogue, it would not hesitate to enforce the no work, no pay policy, which remains an extant labour law in Nigeria.
“The government will not abdicate its responsibility to uphold fairness and accountability in the use of public resources,” Alausa stated.
He reassured students, parents, and the public of the government’s determination to maintain industrial harmony in tertiary institutions, appealing to all academic unions to embrace partnership and dialogue in the interest of the nation’s higher education system.
Alausa further reiterated that the government’s education reform agenda aims to improve teaching and research conditions, promote institutional autonomy, and ensure that universities thrive in an environment of mutual respect, productivity, and innovation.
