As the two-week warning strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) commenced on Sunday, the Federal Government has warned the union against disrupting the academic calendar, insisting that the “no work, no pay” policy will be enforced if lecturers fail to resume duties.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constructive engagement aimed at achieving a lasting resolution of issues affecting the university system.
Alausa maintained that the government has shown sincerity, patience, and goodwill in its dialogue with the union, noting that “virtually all the concerns raised by ASUU have been addressed.”
He listed the government’s efforts to include the introduction of a higher percentage of teaching allowance and significant improvements in the conditions of service of academic staff.
The remaining issues, according to him, fall within the jurisdiction of university governing councils, which have recently been reconstituted to handle such internal matters.
The statement added that both Alausa and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, expressed disappointment that despite the government meeting agreeing deadlines for submitting its position, ASUU proceeded with the strike instead of continuing dialogue.
“This action does not reflect a spirit of cooperation or fairness to the students and the public, especially given the government’s demonstrable commitment and concrete steps already taken,” the statement read.
It further warned: “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.
“While 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 Ministry reassured students, parents, and the public of the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining industrial harmony in the tertiary education sector. It urged all academic unions to embrace dialogue and partnership in the collective interest of Nigeria’s higher education system.
