The Federal Government has urged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to shelve its proposed two-week warning strike, warning that lecturers who participate will face the “no work, no pay” rule if the industrial action goes ahead.
In a statement released on Sunday, Minister of Education, Prof. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, expressed disappointment that ASUU was considering another strike despite what they described as the government’s consistent efforts to address lingering issues in the university system.
According to the statement, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has been engaging ASUU in continuous dialogue and has made a comprehensive offer aimed at resolving the union’s demands. The offer reportedly covers improvements in working conditions, staff welfare, and university governance.
The ministers noted that the government has also approved a new “Teaching Allowance” to better reflect the value of academic work and boost motivation among lecturers in public universities. They added that almost all of ASUU’s concerns have been addressed, except those that fall under the jurisdiction of individual university governing councils, which are already being handled.
“The Federal Government remains open to dialogue with ASUU once their formal response to the offer is received,” the statement read. “We have shown genuine commitment through policy reforms and financial interventions that are aimed at revitalising the education sector.”
However, the ministers criticised the union’s decision to move forward with the strike despite these efforts, saying it would only disrupt academic stability and further harm students who have already endured prolonged academic interruptions in recent years.
While reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to the welfare of lecturers and the development of the education sector, the statement clarified that some of ASUU’s grievances—such as staff promotions and internal university matters—are the statutory responsibility of university councils.
The ministers reminded ASUU that the “No Work, No Pay” principle is a standing provision under Nigerian labour law and will be enforced if the strike goes ahead. They maintained that the government would not hesitate to uphold the law to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education system.
“Dialogue remains the most effective way to resolve disputes in the education sector,” the statement continued. “Government will continue to engage constructively with ASUU and other stakeholders to ensure stability in our universities.”
The statement further reassured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains committed to reforms aimed at improving the quality of education, revitalising universities, and ensuring uninterrupted academic calendars.
“The future of our children must not be sacrificed on the altar of disputes,” the ministers said. “We urge ASUU to give dialogue a chance, as every legitimate concern can be resolved without shutting down our campuses.”