The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially enforced the no-work-no-pay policy on members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) who embarked on the ongoing nationwide strike.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, confirmed that the directive followed the union’s decision to proceed with industrial action despite ongoing negotiations with the government. He emphasized that the policy is consistent with Section 43 of the Trade Disputes Act, which stipulates that workers are not entitled to wages for the period they are absent from duty during a strike.
“The government will strictly apply the no-work-no-pay rule in line with extant labour laws. While dialogue remains open, it is important to uphold discipline and ensure that disruptions to academic calendars are minimized,” the minister stated.
Prof. Mamman reiterated that the government has already met several of ASUU’s demands, including the payment of earned allowances, revitalization funds, and the review of university staff salaries, adding that the strike was unnecessary and counterproductive.
Reacting to the move, ASUU President Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke criticized the policy, describing it as an attempt to intimidate the union and undermine the legitimate rights of lecturers to demand better working conditions.
“No amount of coercion will stop our struggle for the revitalization of public universities. The government’s stance only shows its insensitivity to the plight of Nigerian academics,” Osodeke said.
The enforcement of the no-work-no-pay policy marks a major escalation in the standoff between the government and ASUU, which had earlier issued a two-week ultimatum over unfulfilled agreements.
Students across the country have expressed frustration over the renewed face-off, fearing another prolonged closure of universities.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has called an emergency meeting with ASUU leadership scheduled for early next week in Abuja, as efforts continue to avert a total shutdown of the university system.