Nigeria’s federal government said late Sunday it may enforce its no-work-no-pay policy against university lecturers if the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) goes ahead with its planned strike.
In a statement signed by Folasade Boriowo, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, the government accused ASUU of failing to cooperate despite repeated efforts to avert industrial action.
“The government has continued to prioritise the welfare of university staff and the stability of the academic calendar under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement said.
The ministry urged the union to return to dialogue, calling it “the most effective and sustainable path to resolving disagreements,” but warned that existing labour laws would be applied if academic activities are disrupted.
“While the government continues to demonstrate goodwill and flexibility, it will not abdicate its responsibility to uphold fairness and accountability in the use of public resources,” the statement added.
The government also assured students and parents of its commitment to maintaining industrial peace in universities and appealed to all academic unions to embrace dialogue rather than confrontation.
ASUU, which has long protested unmet agreements with the government, announced a total and comprehensive warning strike starting Monday, October 13.
