By Sandra Ugwu, Abuja

The Federal Government has directed all vice-chancellors of federal universities to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy following the commencement of the two-week warning strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

In a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the government expressed disappointment over ASUU’s decision to proceed with industrial action despite ongoing discussions. The circular, distributed to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, pro-chancellors, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the National Universities Commission (NUC), warned that disruptions to the academic calendar would no longer be tolerated.

“In line with existing labour laws, any employee who fails to perform official duties during a strike will not receive remuneration for that period,” the circular read.

Dr. Alausa instructed vice-chancellors to conduct roll calls and physical headcounts of staff, submitting detailed reports on those present and those absent due to the strike. He further directed that salaries be withheld for staff who fail to work, while 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 continue receiving full pay.

ASUU had on Sunday announced the two-week warning strike to press for the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN - ASUU agreement, release of withheld salaries, revitalization funding, and settlement of promotion arrears and salary differentials. The government, however, insists most of the union’s demands have been addressed, describing the strike as unjustified.

Across the country, universities have witnessed near-total shutdowns. From the University of Abuja to the University of Jos, the University of Ibadan, and Obafemi Awolowo University, academic activities have been largely suspended.

At the University of Abuja, while members of CONUA reportedly continued with lectures, most classrooms remained locked and campuses quiet. A similar scenario played out in Ilorin, Jos, Abeokuta, Calabar, Abakaliki, Uturu, and Kano, where lecturers downed tools in compliance with the directive from the national ASUU leadership.

Chairpersons across various ASUU branches confirmed full participation, describing the action as a necessary response to the federal government’s “consistent disregard” for agreements.

At the University of Ibadan, the ASUU Chairman, Dr. Adefemi Afolabi, said, “There is full compliance with the directive from our national body. The warning strike commenced at midnight on Sunday and will continue until we receive further instruction.”

At Obafemi Awolowo University, the ASUU Chairman, Prof. Anthony Odiwe, said the strike was a collective decision to protest “humiliation from government,” adding that members had no choice but to comply.

However, in some institutions like Bayero University Kano, the strike was only partially observed, with students allowed to sit for ongoing examinations before full compliance.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the federal government’s stance on enforcing the “no work, no pay” rule, describing it as intimidation.

NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said the move would not solve the crisis. “The strike is not an act of defiance but a legitimate response to years of neglect and unfulfilled promises,” he said.

He urged the government to honour existing agreements rather than threaten striking lecturers. “The continued refusal to implement voluntarily signed agreements is undermining confidence in public tertiary institutions. The ‘no work, no pay’ policy is a diversion from the real issues,” Ajaero stated.

As the strike enters its first week, thousands of students remain stranded across campuses, uncertain about when academic activities will resume.