FG Urges ASUU to Shelve Planned Strike, Reaffirms Commitment to Dialogue

— Warns of “No Work, No Pay” policy as government awaits union’s response

By Abiola Adigun | Albarka 89.9 FM | October 11, 2025

The Federal Government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its planned two-week warning strike, urging the union to embrace dialogue as the most sustainable path to resolving disputes in the nation’s tertiary education system.
In a joint statement issued yesterday in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa (CON), and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, said government had made a comprehensive offer to address ASUU’s key demands—ranging from working conditions and institutional governance to staff welfare—and is awaiting the union’s official response.
“All matters relating to the review of conditions of service have been duly addressed, except those within the jurisdiction of individual university governing councils, which are actively being handled,” the statement read.
“The Federal Government remains open and committed to continued engagement with ASUU once their formal response to the offer is received.”
The Ministers highlighted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has approved a new Teaching Allowance to reflect the value of academic work and motivate lecturers across public universities. They added that the government’s approach to the ongoing negotiations has been marked by “commitment and sincerity” through prompt policy actions and financial interventions.
However, the government expressed concern that ASUU appears determined to proceed with its planned industrial action despite ongoing engagement and pending offers.
Reaffirming the administration’s respect for university autonomy, the statement clarified that some of ASUU’s demands—especially those on internal governance, appointments, and promotions—fall within the statutory purview of individual university governing councils.
The Ministers also warned that the government would enforce the “No Work, No Pay” provision if the union proceeds with the strike.
“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,” the statement cautioned.
They assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains steadfast in its commitment to revitalising universities, improving staff welfare, and ensuring uninterrupted academic calendars.
“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,” the Ministers added.
“The future of our children and the stability of our universities must take priority over disputes. The Federal Government remains open to discussion and is ready to work with ASUU to consolidate the gains already achieved in staff welfare, infrastructure, and institutional reforms.”
ASUU had earlier announced plans to embark on a two-week warning strike over unresolved issues with the Federal Government, including the implementation of the 2009 agreement, withheld salaries arising from the “No Work, No Pay” policy during previous strikes, and funding for university revitalisation.
The union’s planned action, if carried out, would be the first major confrontation with the Tinubu administration since its assumption of office in 2023.
Observers note that recurring ASUU strikes have caused severe disruptions to Nigeria’s academic calendar, with public university students spending an average of 18 months at home between 2020 and 2022.
While government insists it has addressed most of ASUU’s demands, the union maintains that promises have not been fully implemented.
With the two-week warning strike looming, education stakeholders are calling for urgent dialogue to avert another nationwide shutdown of universities.