The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of all federal universities to submit attendance and compliance reports following the commencement of the two-week strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

In a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the government reaffirmed its decision to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy, warning that it would no longer tolerate disruptions to the academic calendar.

“In line with existing labour regulations, any employee who fails to discharge official duties during a strike period will not be entitled to remuneration for that period,” the circular stated.

The minister directed vice-chancellors to immediately conduct roll calls and physical headcounts of academic staff, identifying those present and performing their duties, and to forward detailed compliance reports to the ministry.

He also ordered that salaries of staff who fail to work be withheld for the duration of the strike, but 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 continue to receive their full entitlements.

The directive came as ASUU began its two-week warning strike to demand the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN–ASUU agreement, release of withheld salaries, revitalisation funds for public universities, and payment of promotion arrears, among others.

The Federal Government insists that most of the union’s demands have already been addressed, describing the strike as unjustified.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the government’s threat to withhold salaries, warning that such action could worsen the crisis.

NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said, “The strike is a legitimate response to years of neglect and unfulfilled promises. Resorting to threats of ‘no work, no pay’ will not resolve the issues.”