The Federal Government has cautioned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) against embarking on a strike, reiterating that the “no work, no pay” policy remains in full effect.
The warning was issued in a statement released on Saturday by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, and jointly signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed.
The Ministers reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constructive dialogue with ASUU towards achieving a sustainable resolution of all outstanding issues affecting the university system.
“The Federal Government has demonstrated sincerity, patience, and goodwill in its dialogue with the Union. Virtually all the concerns raised by ASUU have been addressed, including the introduction of a substantial percentage of teaching allowance and significant improvements in the conditions of service of academic staff,” the statement read.
Reiterating the enforcement of existing labour laws, the Ministers warned that the administration would not compromise on accountability.
“The ‘no work, no pay’ policy remains an extant labour law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the government will be guided by this law should academic activities be disrupted in the nation’s universities.”
The statement explained that the few outstanding matters fall within the jurisdiction of the governing councils of individual universities, which have been recently reconstituted to handle such internal issues.
While stressing the government’s determination to keep students in school, the Ministers expressed disappointment over ASUU’s decision to proceed with strike action despite the government’s compliance with agreed timelines.
“The government had met the deadline for presenting its position to the union as agreed, yet instead of reverting to the Ministry in continuation of dialogue, ASUU has chosen to proceed with strike action.
This action does not reflect a spirit of cooperation or fairness to the students and the public, especially given government’s demonstrable commitment and concrete steps already taken.”
The Ministers emphasised that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government has continued to prioritise the welfare of university staff and the stability of the academic calendar.
They urged ASUU and other academic unions to embrace dialogue and partnership rather than confrontation, in the collective interest of Nigeria’s higher education system.
“Dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path to resolving disagreements. Government remains open to engagement at any level to prevent unnecessary disruption in the education sector,” the statement added.
The Ministers assured Nigerian students, parents, and the general public that the Federal Government remains committed to maintaining industrial harmony in the tertiary education sector, appealing to ASUU to reconsider its position and return to dialogue in the best interest of students and the nation’s educational future.
