The Federal Government has reacted to the two week warning strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) set to begin Monday, October 13.
In a statement issued Sunday night by Folasade Boriowo, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, the government indicated readiness to implement the no-work-no-pay policy.
The federal government accused ASUU of refusing to cooperate despite continued efforts to prevent another disruption in the university system.
According to the ministry, the government remains committed to prioritising the welfare of university staff and ensuring the stability of the academic calendar under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It said dialogue remains the most effective way to resolve disagreements and that the government is open to further engagement with the union.
However, the statement reminded the public that the no-work-no-pay policy is an existing labour law and will be enforced if academic activities are suspended. It also noted that while the government continues to show goodwill and flexibility, it has a duty to ensure fairness and accountability in the management of public funds.
The ministry reassured students, parents, and the general public of its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the tertiary education sector. It also appealed to all academic unions to embrace dialogue rather than confrontation in the collective interest of the nation’s higher education system.
ASUU announced the strike on Sunday after the expiration of a two-week ultimatum given to the government to meet its demands. The union is calling for the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the release of withheld salaries and third-party deductions, adequate funding for public universities, and an end to the alleged victimisation of lecturers at Lagos State University, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and the Federal University of Technology Owerri.
Other demands include the payment of outstanding 25 to 35 percent salary arrears and promotion arrears that have been pending for over four years.
