The federal government has warned that it will enforce the “no work, no pay” rule if the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) goes ahead with its planned two-week warning strike.
In a joint statement released on Sunday, the Minister of Education, Prof. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, accused the union of abandoning dialogue despite what they described as the government’s genuine efforts to meet its demands.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reconsider its decision to embark on an industrial strike, emphasising that constructive dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path toward resolving all outstanding issues in the tertiary education sector,” the statement read.
According to the ministers, the government had already presented a comprehensive offer to ASUU addressing its core concerns, such as working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare, and was awaiting the union’s formal response.
READ MORE: ASUU Begins Two-Week Nationwide Strike Over Unfulfilled Government Promises
They disclosed that under Bola Tinubu’s administration, a “robust teaching allowance” had been approved “to reflect the value of academic work and motivate lecturers across public universities.”
The statement further explained that most issues relating to the review of conditions of service had been resolved, while others under the jurisdiction of university governing councils were being handled at the institutional level.
“The Federal Government remains open and committed to continued engagement with ASUU once their formal response to the offer is received,” the ministers stated.
They insisted that the government had shown “demonstrable commitment and sincerity” through “prompt policy responses and financial interventions in the education sector”.
“However, ASUU has not reciprocated this gesture and appears determined to proceed with the planned strike despite the pending offer and ongoing engagement,” they added.
The ministers reaffirmed that the Tinubu government remains dedicated to the welfare of lecturers and the stability of the university system, stressing that its ongoing reforms are anchored on fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening.
READ MORE: ASUU to Tinubu’s Government: Address Our Demands in 14 Days or Face Strike
“While reaffirming the administration’s respect for university autonomy, the ministers clarified that certain aspects of ASUU’s demands—particularly those relating to internal governance, appointments, and promotions—are statutory responsibilities of university governing councils,” the statement continued.
They urged the union to allow university authorities to manage such issues “in line with existing regulations”.
Reminding the lecturers of labour law provisions, the statement warned that the government would not hesitate to enforce the “no work, no pay” rule if the strike goes ahead.
“While government remains committed to peaceful dialogue, it will equally enforce existing laws to protect the integrity of our education system and ensure accountability,” it said.
The ministers also reassured Nigerians that the administration was still open to dialogue with ASUU and other education stakeholders, insisting that recent government actions demonstrate a clear commitment to revitalising universities and improving staff welfare.
“The government has shown sincerity and commitment through engagements and policy actions. We are confident that, with continued dialogue, every legitimate concern can be addressed and resolved without shutting down our campuses. Our students must remain in school,” the statement concluded.
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