By Tgnews Reporter, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to abandon its planned strike, warning that it will enforce the “No Work, No Pay” policy if the union proceeds with the industrial action. The call comes amid ongoing tensions between the government and ASUU over unresolved issues in the tertiary education sector.
In a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving ASUU’s concerns through dialogue.
They disclosed that a comprehensive offer addressing key issues such as working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare has been presented to the union, with the government awaiting ASUU’s formal response.
The Ministers highlighted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has approved a robust Teaching Allowance to enhance lecturers’ welfare and motivate academic staff. They also noted that most demands related to service conditions have been addressed, except those under the purview of university governing councils, which are being actively handled.
Despite these efforts, the government expressed disappointment over ASUU’s apparent determination to strike, accusing the union of failing to reciprocate its commitment to dialogue.
The Ministers reiterated that the “No Work, No Pay” rule, an extant provision of Nigerian labour law, will be invoked if the strike goes ahead, signaling a firm stance to protect the education system’s integrity.
The statement underscored the Tinubu administration’s reforms aimed at revitalizing universities, improving infrastructure, and ensuring uninterrupted academic calendars.
The government also clarified that certain ASUU demands, such as those related to internal governance and promotions, fall under the statutory responsibilities of university governing councils, urging the union to respect institutional autonomy.
“We are confident that, with continued dialogue, every legitimate concern can be addressed without shutting down our campuses. Our students must remain in school,” the Ministers stated, appealing to ASUU to prioritize the future of Nigerian students and the stability of the university system.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its openness to constructive engagement with ASUU and other stakeholders, emphasizing its sincerity through policy actions and financial interventions.
The Ministers called on the union to shelve the planned strike and work collaboratively to consolidate gains in staff welfare and institutional reforms.
As tensions persist, Nigerian students and stakeholders await ASUU’s response to the government’s offer, with hopes that a resolution can be reached to avert another disruption in the academic calendar.
