FG Enforces ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy on Striking ASUU Members

 FG Enforces ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy on Striking ASUU Members

The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of federal universities across the country to strictly enforce the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities currently participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.

The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of federal universities across the country to strictly enforce the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities currently participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.

According to the Ministry of Education, the government’s stance is aimed at discouraging prolonged academic disruptions and ensuring accountability within the public university system. A senior government official, speaking on Monday, noted that while dialogue with ASUU continues, the policy would be strictly enforced to maintain fairness across the public service.

The directive follows renewed tension between the union and the government over unmet agreements and funding for university revitalization. ASUU leaders, however, have criticized the policy, describing it as punitive and a threat to academic freedom.

Education analysts warn that the standoff could once again affect the academic calendar, urging both parties to prioritize students’ interests and reach a sustainable compromise.

ASUU is currently demanding the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the release of the withheld three and a half months’ salaries, sustainable funding of public universities, revitalisation of public universities, and cessation of the victimisation of lecturers in LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.

The no-work-no-pay rule, first invoked during the 2022 ASUU strike, remains a controversial instrument in managing labour relations within Nigeria’s education sector.