By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Federal Government on Sunday night issued a stern warning to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), declaring its readiness to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy should the union proceed with its planned strike.
In a statement released by the spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, the ministry criticised ASUU for what it described as a lack of cooperation, despite ongoing government efforts to prevent industrial action.
“The Ministers further stressed that the government has continued to prioritise the welfare of university staff and the stability of the academic calendar under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“According to them, 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.
“They, however, emphasised that the ‘no work, no pay’ policy remains an extant labour law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the government will be guided by this law should academic activities be disrupted in the nation’s universities. While the government continues to demonstrate goodwill and flexibility, it will not abdicate its responsibility to uphold fairness and accountability in the use of public resources.”
The ministry further assured students, parents, and the wider public of the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the tertiary education sector.
“Ministers appealed to all academic unions to embrace partnership and dialogue rather than confrontation, in the collective interest of the nation’s higher education system.
“They reiterated that the government’s education reform agenda is designed to enhance teaching and research conditions, promote institutional autonomy through strengthened university governance, and ensure that the academic community thrives in an environment of mutual respect, productivity, and innovation.”
Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities has announced a total and comprehensive warning strike, scheduled to begin on Monday, October 13.
ASUU’s demands include the finalisation of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of withheld salaries for three and a half months, adequate and sustainable funding for public universities, revitalisation of tertiary institutions, and an end to the alleged victimisation of lecturers at Lagos State University (LASU), Prince Abubakar Audu University, and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).
Other demands include payment of the outstanding 25–35% salary arrears, settlement of over four years’ promotion arrears, and the release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union check-off dues.