The Federal Government has cautioned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that the “no work, no pay” rule may be invoked if the planned strike disrupts academic activities.
The government made this warning known in a statement signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmed.
According to the ministers, the government has made comprehensive offers to ASUU, addressing major concerns such as conditions of service, institutional governance, and staff welfare. They expressed disappointment that despite these efforts, ASUU has chosen to proceed with a two-week warning strike starting today, which may later become indefinite.
A statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, on behalf of the two ministers, said the Federal Government has made a comprehensive offer to the union and, up till now, is still awaiting ASUU’s official response.
They stressed that the offer addresses the union’s major concerns, including conditions of service, institutional governance, and staff welfare.
“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 Federal Government remains open and committed to continued engagement with ASUU once their formal response to the offer is received,” the statement said.
The government emphasized its commitment to peaceful dialogue and its willingness to engage with ASUU once the union responds formally to the offers made.
“While government remains committed to peaceful dialogue, it will equally enforce existing laws to protect the integrity of our education system and ensure accountability,” Folasade added.
The ministers stressed that the government has approached the matter with sincerity and commitment, evident in its prompt policy responses and financial interventions in the education sector.
The ministers added, “The government has shown sincerity and commitment through a series of engagements and policy actions.
“We are confident that with continued dialogue, every legitimate concern can be resolved without shutting down our campuses. Our students must remain in school.
“The future of our children and the stability of our universities must take priority over disputes.
“The Federal Government remains open to discussion and is ready to work with ASUU to consolidate the gains already achieved in staff welfare, infrastructure, and institutional reforms.”
Meanwhile, ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna has insisted that the strike is inevitable due to the government’s alleged insensitivity and failure to implement agreements reached with the union. The union is seeking the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, improved funding for public universities, revitalization projects, and payment of outstanding salary arrears, among other demands.
In a related development, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has dissociated itself from the strike, with its National President, Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, urging members to continue with their academic and administrative duties.
The planned strike by ASUU may disrupt academic activities in public universities, with far-reaching implications for students and the education sector as a whole.
