FG Implements ‘No Work, No Pay’ for Striking Lecturers

The Federal Ministry of Education has instructed the Vice Chancellors of federal institutions to strictly enforce the “no work, no pay” policy in light of the ongoing strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

In a statement signed by Minister Dr Tunji Alausa, Vice Chancellors are directed to maintain an accurate roll call of academic staff who are fulfilling their duties and those who are absent due to the strike.

Additionally, it has been mandated that salaries be withheld during this period from those who fail to perform their duties.

The statement specifies that academic staff who are members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), who are not participating in the strike, will not be affected by this policy.

The Ministry warned that the National University Commission (NUC) will monitor compliance and submit a report to the Ministry within seven days of receiving the circular.

Meanwhile, Chris Piwuna, the president of ASUU, stated that the union will not be intimidated by the federal government’s threats to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy. On Sunday, the union declared a comprehensive two-week warning strike after an ultimatum issued on September 28 had expired.

“He is threatening us by writing to NAMDA and CONUA, telling them they can receive their salaries. He wants to divide us, but we stand united in this matter,” Piwuna said.

“CONUA is with us, NAMDA is with us, SSANU, and NASU are with us. Even polytechnics and colleges of education support our action.”

Piwuna urged Alausa to focus on resolving the industrial crisis instead of issuing ultimatums.

“He should prioritise solving this problem because he will fail if he attempts to undermine our unity,” he added.

The ASUU president emphasised that the union remains open to dialogue with the government.

“Today, the Minister of State for Labour called me and indicated that she has been directed to intervene. ASUU is ready and willing to discuss this matter once and for all,” he stated.