Strike may attract ‘no work, no pay’ – Federal Govt warns, threatens ASUU

Strike may attract ‘no work, no pay’ – Federal Govt warns, threatens ASUU

The Federal Government has called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to opt for “constructive consultation instead of confrontation” following the union’s decision to commence a two-week warning strike starting today.

In a statement issued late Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Education, the government expressed disappointment over ASUU’s move to down tools, stating that “substantial progress” had been made during recent negotiations. Officials maintained that a majority of the union’s demands had already been addressed in good faith.

The strike, announced by ASUU President Professor Chris Piwuna, is in protest of what the union describes as the government’s failure to honour longstanding agreements. ASUU has also warned that the warning strike may escalate into an indefinite action if the unresolved issues persist.

Despite the union’s stance, the Ministry insists that the government has demonstrated “commitment and good faith” throughout the negotiation process.

“While we respect the right of unions to advocate for their members, we urge ASUU to consider the broader impact of prolonged academic disruptions on students and the education sector as a whole,” the Ministry stated.

The government further reiterated its openness to ongoing dialogue and encouraged ASUU to return to the negotiating table to find a sustainable resolution.

“While government remains committed to peaceful dialogue, it will equally enforce existing laws to protect the integrity of our education system and ensure accountability,” the Ministry stated.

It further warned that invoking the “no work, no pay” policy remains a legal option should the strike halt academic activities nationwide.

The statement, signed by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, on behalf of Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa and Minister of State Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, said the government had tabled a comprehensive offer addressing key issues raised by ASUU—such as conditions of service, staff welfare, and institutional reforms.

“All matters relating to the review of conditions of service have been duly addressed, except those that are within the jurisdiction of individual university governing councils, which are actively being handled,” the Ministry said.

The ministers revealed that the negotiation involved senior officials from the ministries of Education and Labour, the Salaries and Wages Commission, and the Solicitor-General of the Federation, among others.

However, they claimed ASUU failed to respond formally to the government’s proposals before announcing the strike.

An official involved in the negotiations questioned ASUU’s decision. He said: “What do the lecturers want? The government put all cards on the table and made offers that addressed almost all the requests, yet representatives of ASUU said they would go away with the offers before making known their response. But, they never did. Instead, they make good their strike threat. There is more to this.”

The ministers reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to staff welfare and education reform, noting that government actions have been guided by principles of fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening.

They also stressed the need to respect the autonomy of universities, explaining that certain issues raised by ASUU—especially those related to appointments and promotions—fall under the purview of governing councils.

Meanwhile, Prof. Piwuna said the strike became inevitable due to what he described as government’s “insensitivity” and failure to honour agreements, including the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, revitalisation funding, and settlement of salary arrears.

The union is also demanding an end to alleged victimisation of its members, payment of promotion arrears, and remittance of third-party deductions.

Prof. Piwuna said the action follows a 14-day ultimatum that expired yesterday, and urged Nigerians to pressure the government to act:

“We are doing this for the soul of public education in Nigeria.”