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The Federal Government on Sunday night warned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) against its planned strike, saying the “no-work-no-pay” policy would be enforced if the action goes ahead.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, said the government had made several efforts to prevent the strike but the union remained uncooperative.
“The Ministers further stressed that the government has continued to prioritise the welfare of university staff and the stability of the academic calendar under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“According to them, dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path to resolving disagreements, and government remains open to engagement at any level to prevent unnecessary disruption in the education sector.
“They, however, emphasised that the “no work, no pay” policy remains an extant labour law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the government will be guided by this law should academic activities be disrupted in the nation’s universities. While the government continues to demonstrate goodwill and flexibility, it will not abdicate its responsibility to uphold fairness and accountability in the use of public resources.
The statement also reassured students, parents, and the public that the Tinubu administration remains committed to maintaining peace in the tertiary education system.
Ministers appealed to all academic unions to embrace dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation in the interest of Nigeria’s education sector.
They further said the government’s reform agenda seeks to improve teaching and research conditions, promote institutional autonomy, and ensure universities operate in an environment of mutual respect and productivity.
Earlier, ASUU had declared a two-week total and comprehensive warning strike starting from Monday, October 13.
The union is demanding the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of withheld salaries, revitalisation funds for universities, and an end to alleged victimisation of lecturers in some schools.
ASUU also wants the payment of outstanding salary arrears, promotion entitlements, and release of withheld third-party deductions, including cooperative and union dues.