The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has warned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that the Federal Government will enforce its “no work, no pay” policy should the union proceed with its planned strike action.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.
The warning follows ASUU’s declaration of a two-week warning strike, set to begin from midnight on Monday, October 13, over what the union described as the government’s failure to meet its outstanding demands after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum.
Dr. Alausa reaffirmed that the Federal Government remains open to dialogue, stressing that it is committed to resolving lingering issues affecting the university system through constructive engagement rather than confrontation.
According to the minister, the government has shown sincerity, patience, and goodwill in its dealings with the union and has already addressed most of ASUU’s key concerns.
“These include the introduction of a substantial increase in teaching allowances and significant improvements in the conditions of service of academic staff,” Alausa said.
He explained that the few remaining issues fall within the jurisdiction of university governing councils, which have recently been reconstituted to handle internal administrative matters.
“Although the government is making every effort to resolve all issues and ensure that students remain in school, ASUU is not operating with the same zeal,” he added.
Dr. Alausa noted that the government had met the agreed deadline for submitting its position to the union. However, instead of continuing dialogue, ASUU chose to embark on industrial action — a decision the minister described as unfair to students and the general public, especially considering the government’s visible commitment and progress.
He emphasized that the Tinubu administration, under its Renewed Hope Agenda, continues to prioritize the welfare of university staff and stability of the academic calendar.
“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,” he said.
The minister, however, reiterated that the “no work, no pay” policy remains an existing labour law in Nigeria, and the Federal Government will be guided by the law should academic activities be disrupted.
Dr. Alausa assured students, parents, and the general public that the government remains committed to maintaining industrial harmony in the nation’s tertiary institutions. He urged all academic unions to embrace partnership and dialogue in the collective interest of Nigeria’s higher education system.
He further reiterated that the government’s education reform agenda is designed to:
- Enhance teaching and research conditions,
- Strengthen university governance and institutional autonomy, and
- Foster an academic environment built on mutual respect, productivity, and innovation.
The minister appealed to ASUU to reconsider its position and return to the dialogue table in the best interest of students and the future of Nigeria’s education system.
