The Federal Government has told university leaders across Nigeria to stop paying lecturers who are currently on strike.
In a circular issued on October 13, 2025, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa instructed vice-chancellors to enforce the “no work, no pay” rule against striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The directive, reported by The PUNCH, was sent to key officials including the Head of Civil Service, university Pro-Chancellors, the Budget Office Director-General, the Accountant-General, and the National Universities Commission Executive Secretary.
Dr. Alausa said the government has grown frustrated with ASUU’s ongoing strike despite several attempts to resolve the dispute through dialogue.
He made it clear that labour laws will be enforced without exception.
“The Federal Government reiterates its position on the enforcement of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy for any employee who fails to discharge official duties during strike action,” the circular stated.
Vice-chancellors must now conduct roll calls and physical checks to identify which lecturers are working and which have joined the strike.
They’re required to submit detailed reports showing each staff member’s status and withhold salaries from those participating in the industrial action.
The policy doesn’t affect members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), who aren’t striking. These groups will continue receiving their full pay.
Dr. Alausa has tasked the National Universities Commission with monitoring implementation and submitting a compliance report within seven days.
“Please treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in the national interest,” the minister told university heads.
