ABUJA — The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of federal universities to immediately enforce the “no work, no pay” policy on members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.

The directive was contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. Copies of the circular were distributed to key officials, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Pro-Chancellors of federal universities, the Director-General of the Budget Office, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The ministry expressed disappointment over ASUU’s decision to embark on another industrial action despite repeated appeals for dialogue. It stressed that the Federal Government would no longer tolerate actions that contravene existing labour laws.

“In line with the provisions of the Labour Laws of the Federation, the Federal Government reiterates its position on the enforcement of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy in respect of any employee who fails to discharge his or her official duties during the period of strike action,” the circular stated.

Dr. Alausa instructed all vice-chancellors to conduct an immediate roll call and physical headcount of academic staff in their respective institutions and submit detailed reports indicating those present and performing duties, as well as those absent due to the strike.

He directed that salaries of any lecturer who fails to perform official responsibilities during the strike should be suspended. However, he clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), who are not part of the strike, should not be affected.

“The ministry expects full compliance with this directive,” Alausa stated, adding that the NUC has been instructed to monitor implementation and submit a consolidated compliance report to the ministry within seven days.

He further urged university administrators to “treat the matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in national interest.”

ASUU had on Sunday declared a total and comprehensive warning strike, effective Monday, October 13, to press home its demands, which include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, release of withheld salaries and arrears, revitalisation funding for public universities, and an end to alleged victimisation of members in some institutions.