The Federal Government has instructed vice-chancellors of all federal universities nationwide to strictly implement the “no work, no pay” rule against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) currently engaged in the ongoing nationwide strike.
The circular, which was copied to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary of Education, Pro-Chancellors of all federal universities, the Director-General of the Budget Office, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the NUC, expressed the government’s dissatisfaction with reports of ASUU’s continued industrial action despite several calls for dialogue“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 circular reads. Dr. Alausa directed all vice-chancellors to immediately conduct roll calls and physical headcounts of academic staff in their respective institutions.
He further instructed that reports be compiled detailing staff members who are present and carrying out their official duties, as well as those absent or participating in the strike.Alausa also ordered that payment of salaries be suspended for any staff member who fails to perform their duties during the strike period.
He clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics — who are not part of the ongoing strike — are exempted from the directive and will continue to receive their full pay.
The minister directed the National Universities Commission to ensure full compliance and to submit a consolidated report to the ministry within seven days of receiving the circular.
“Please, treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in national interest,” Alausa urged the university heads.
It was earlier reported that the Federal Government threatened to activate the policy amid the ongoing nationwide strike by university lecturers.
ASUU, on Sunday, declared a total and comprehensive warning strike beginning Monday, October 13.
The union’s demands include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of withheld three and a half months’ salaries, improved funding for public universities, revitalisation of the tertiary education system, and an end to the alleged victimisation of lecturers at LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.
Other demands cover the payment of outstanding 25–35 per cent salary arrears, settlement of over four years of promotion arrears, and the release of withheld third-party deductions, including cooperative contributions and union check-off dues.
