The Federal Government has ordered vice-chancellors of all federal universities to immediately enforce the “no work, no pay” policy on members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, issued  and signed the directive in a circular dated October 13, 2025.

Copies of the circular were sent to key officials, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities, the Director-General of the Budget Office, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The ministry, in the circular, expressed disappointment over ASUU’s decision to embark on strike despite several appeals for dialogue, stressing that the government would no longer condone violations of established 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 read.

Dr. Alausa directed all vice-chancellors to conduct an immediate roll call and physical headcount of academic staff in their respective institutions and submit detailed reports specifying those who are performing their duties and those who have withdrawn their services.

He added that salaries should be withheld from any lecturer who fails to perform official duties during the strike. However, he clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA)—who are not part of the strike should not be penalised.

“The ministry expects full compliance with this directive,” Alausa stated, mandating the NUC to monitor the implementation and submit a consolidated compliance report to the ministry within seven days.

“Please treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in the national interest,” the minister told university administrators.

ASUU had on Sunday declared a two-week total and comprehensive warning strike, effective Monday, October 13, citing the Federal Government’s failure to honour previous agreements.

The union’s demands include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of withheld salaries and arrears, revitalisation funding for public universities, and an end to alleged victimisation of members in some institutions.