By Seyi Odewale
The Federal Government has reiterated that its “No work, no pay” policy remains in full force as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) begins a two-week warning strike that threatens to cripple academic activities in public universities nationwide.
In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, the government said the existing labour law would guide it should lecturers withdraw their services.
According to the statement, while the Tinubu administration continues to demonstrate goodwill and flexibility in addressing industrial disputes, it would not shy away from enforcing accountability in the use of public funds.
“The Ministry of Education remains committed to fairness and industrial harmony. However, the principle of no work, no pay will apply if services are withheld,” Boriowo stated.
The government also assured parents, students, and the general public that it remains determined to sustain peace and stability in the education sector, appealing to ASUU and other unions to embrace dialogue rather than confrontation.
ASUU’s National President, Prof Chris Piwuna, announced the strike at a press conference held at the University of Abuja on Sunday, citing government inaction on long-standing demands.
He said all branches had been directed to commence a total and comprehensive withdrawal of services from midnight on Monday, October 13, 2025.
“The 14-day notice we issued on September 28 has expired without any meaningful response from the government. This strike is both total and comprehensive,” Piwuna said, stressing that the decision was ratified by the Union’s National Executive Council (NEC).
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, had earlier appealed to the Union to shelve its planned action, disclosing that the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Tertiary Institutions Negotiation Committee had been reconstituted to fast-track talks with the unions.
He added that President Bola Tinubu had directed that all efforts be made to avoid another disruption in Nigeria’s university system.
However, the latest development signals a possible escalation in the recurring face-off between ASUU and the Federal Government, one that could again jeopardise the academic future of thousands of Nigerian students.
