FG warns ASUU to suspend strike or face “No Work, No Pay,” reaffirming Tinubu government’s commitment to dialogue and lecturers’ welfare.
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has issued a stern warning to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), urging the union to shelve its planned strike in the interest of students and national stability. The government emphasized that constructive dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving lingering issues in the tertiary education sector.
In a joint statement signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, the government revealed that it has presented a comprehensive offer to ASUU addressing core issues such as staff welfare, working conditions, and institutional governance.
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According to the Ministers, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved a robust Teaching Allowance that reflects the value of academic work and seeks to motivate lecturers across public universities.
“All matters relating to the review of conditions of service have been duly addressed, except those within the jurisdiction of university governing councils, which are actively being handled,” the statement read.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its willingness to continue engaging ASUU upon receiving the union’s formal response, insisting that it has acted with sincerity, urgency, and transparency in its approach to higher education challenges.
However, the Ministers expressed disappointment that ASUU appears determined to go ahead with the proposed strike despite ongoing negotiations and a pending offer.
They reiterated that President Tinubu’s administration remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of Nigerian lecturers and the stability of the university system, adding that ongoing education reforms are anchored on fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening to ensure lasting academic excellence.
Government Reaffirms Respect for University Autonomy
The Ministers also clarified that certain demands by ASUU—especially those relating to appointments, promotions, and internal governance—fall under the jurisdiction of university governing councils. They urged the union to allow these institutions to manage such issues in line with established procedures.
“No Work, No Pay” Rule to Be Enforced
While reiterating the government’s preference for dialogue, the Ministers warned that the Federal Government will invoke the “No Work, No Pay” policy should ASUU proceed with its planned strike.
“The government remains committed to peaceful dialogue but will enforce existing labour laws to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s education system and ensure accountability,” the statement declared.
The Ministers assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration remains open to constructive engagement with ASUU and other education stakeholders to ensure the revitalization of universities, improved staff welfare, and uninterrupted academic calendars.
“Our students must remain in school. The future of our children and the stability of our universities must take precedence over disputes,” the Ministers added.
The statement concluded with a call for unity and continued collaboration to consolidate recent gains in staff welfare, infrastructure development, and institutional reforms, reaffirming the government’s dedication to a stable and globally competitive university system.
Signed:
Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations
Federal Ministry of Education
October 12, 2025