The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of federal universities across the country to immediately enforce the “no work, no pay” policy on members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) currently 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, according to a document obtained by Instant News.

The circular was copied to 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 of the Federation, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

According to the circular, the government expressed disappointment over the continuation of the strike despite repeated appeals for dialogue, stressing that it would no longer tolerate violations of 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 document stated.

Alausa directed all vice-chancellors to conduct a roll call and physical headcount of all academic staff, identifying those present and performing their duties, as well as those absent or participating in the strike.

He further instructed that salary payments be withheld for all staff who fail to work during the strike period.

However, the minister 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 be exempted from the directive and continue to receive their full entitlements.

The minister also mandated the NUC to monitor and ensure full compliance with the directive and submit a consolidated report to the Ministry of Education within seven days.

“Please, treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in the national interest,” Alausa urged the university heads.

Recall Instant News had earlier reported that the Federal Government warned it would implement the “no work, no pay” policy if the lecturers failed to call off their industrial action.

ASUU had on Sunday declared a total and comprehensive warning strike effective Monday, October 13, 2025.

The union’s demands include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, release of withheld three and a half months’ salaries, sustainable funding and revitalisation of public universities, and an end to the alleged victimisation of lecturers at LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.

Other demands include the payment of outstanding 25–35% salary arrears, promotion arrears spanning over four years, and the release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union check-off dues.