The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of all federal universities across the country to immediately stop the payment of salaries to lecturers participating in the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The directive, which takes effect from October 13, 2025, was contained in a circular signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and distributed to key government officials and university administrators.
According to the circular, the government reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the provisions of the Labour Laws of the Federation regarding the “no work, no pay” policy, which stipulates that employees who withdraw their services are not entitled to wages during the period of industrial action.
“In line with the provisions of the Labour Laws of the Federation, the Federal Government reiterates its position on the enforcement of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy in respect of any employee who fails to discharge his or her official duties during the period of strike action,” the circular stated.
The memo was copied to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Director-General of the Budget Office, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, the Pro-Chancellors of all federal universities, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
ASUU members just began strike on Monday over the Federal Government’s alleged failure to honour previous agreements on improved welfare, revitalisation of public universities, and payment of earned academic allowances.
The latest directive is expected to heighten tension between the union and the government, as ASUU has consistently argued that the policy is punitive and undermines genuine dialogue aimed at resolving the crisis in Nigeria’s public university system.
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