NIGERIA: FG Urges ASUU to Shelve Strike, Warns of ‘No Work, No Pay’ Enforcement

By Hamzat Ameenat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Federal Government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reconsider its decision to embark on a nationwide strike, urging the union to embrace dialogue as the only sustainable solution to lingering issues in the tertiary education sector.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, said the Federal Government had made a comprehensive offer to the union and was still awaiting its official response.

According to the statement, the offer covers major areas of concern raised by ASUU, including working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare.

The ministers said: “The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a robust Teaching Allowance designed to reflect the value of academic work and motivate lecturers across public universities.”

They added that issues relating to the review of conditions of service had been addressed, except those that fall under the jurisdiction of individual university governing councils, which are currently being handled at the institutional level.

The statement noted that the government had demonstrated commitment and sincerity through its policy interventions and financial support for the education sector.

However, it accused ASUU of failing to reciprocate the government’s goodwill by insisting on proceeding with the planned strike.

The ministers reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to lecturers’ welfare and the stability of the university system, stressing that the ongoing reforms in the education sector were guided by fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening.

While restating the government’s respect for university autonomy, the statement clarified that matters relating to internal governance, appointments, and promotions fall within the statutory duties of university governing councils.

The ministers also warned that the principle of “No Work, No Pay” remains in force and would be applied if the union proceeds with industrial action.

The statement emphasised: “While the government remains committed to peaceful dialogue, it will equally enforce existing laws to protect the integrity of our education system and ensure accountability.”

They further assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains open to constructive engagement with ASUU and other stakeholders to sustain progress in the education sector.

“The government has shown sincerity and commitment through engagements and policy actions. We are confident that, with continued dialogue, every legitimate concern can be addressed and resolved without shutting down our campuses. Our students must remain in school,” they added.