The Federal Government has urged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reconsider its decision to embark on an indefinite strike, warning that it would not hesitate to invoke the “No Work, No Pay” policy if the union proceeds with industrial action.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, appealed to ASUU to embrace dialogue rather than disruption, stressing that the government has already presented a comprehensive offer addressing the union’s major grievances.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, had on Sunday declared a two-week warning strike.
ASUU President, Chris Piwuna said the warning strike is a window for the government to conclude negotiations with the body.
He disclosed this during a press conference at ASUU Headquarters at UniAbuja.
According to the ministers, the proposal before ASUU covers “working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare,” which have been long-standing issues between the government and the union.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a robust teaching allowance designed to reflect the value of academic work and motivate lecturers across public universities
“All matters relating to the review of conditions of service have been duly addressed, except those within the jurisdiction of individual university governing councils, which are actively being handled.”the statement read
The ministers said the Tinubu administration has demonstrated “unwavering sincerity and commitment” in addressing the challenges facing Nigerian universities through prompt policy interventions and financial support.
“Unfortunately,” they noted, “ASUU has not reciprocated this gesture and appears determined to proceed with the planned strike despite the pending offer and ongoing engagement.”
They maintained that the Federal Government is committed to the welfare of lecturers and the stability of the university system, adding that the ongoing reforms in the education sector are anchored on fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening to ensure sustainable academic excellence.
While reaffirming government’s respect for university autonomy, the ministers clarified that certain aspects of ASUU’s demands — especially those related to appointments, promotions, and internal governance — fall under the statutory responsibilities of individual university governing councils.
“We urge the union to allow these matters to be handled appropriately at the institutional level in line with existing regulations,” they stated.
The statement also reiterated the government’s readiness to enforce labour laws if ASUU proceeds with the strike.
“The principle of No Work, No Pay remains an extant provision of Nigerian labour law, and the Federal Government will not hesitate to invoke it should ASUU go ahead with the industrial action,” the ministers warned.
While reaffirming the administration’s commitment to dialogue, they appealed to ASUU to prioritise the interest of students and the stability of the academic calendar.
“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,” they added.
“The future of our children and the stability of our universities must take priority over disputes,” the statement concluded. “The Federal Government remains open to discussion and is ready to work with ASUU to consolidate the gains already achieved in staff welfare, infrastructure, and institutional reforms.”
