The federal government has called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU to reconsider its decision on its two-weeks industrial strike, vowing however that the government will invoke ‘no work, no pay’ policy if ASUU fails to rescinds its nationwide strike.
The appeal is expressed in a joint statement by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad from the Public Relations Department.
The Government decried ASUU plan to shut down public Universities in Nigeria after the government had made a comprehensive offer to the union and is still awaiting ASUU’s official response.
It however, emphasised that the “no work, no pay” policy remains an extant labour law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the government will be guided by this law should academic activities be disrupted in the nation’s Universities.
While the government continues to demonstrate goodwill and flexibility, it will not abdicate its responsibility to uphold fairness and accountability in the use of public resources.
The statement reassured Nigerian students, parents, and the general public that the Federal Government is firmly committed to maintaining industrial harmony in the tertiary education system.
The federal government emphasised that the offer addresses the union’s primary concerns, including working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare.
The statement noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved a robust Teaching Allowance designed to reflect the value of academic work and motivate lecturers across public Universities.
“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 Federal Government remains open and committed to continued engagement with ASUU once their formal response to the offer is received,” the statement read.
The federal government has approached the matter with demonstrable commitment and sincerity, evident in its prompt policy responses and financial interventions in the education sector, the statement clarified.
However, ASUU has not reciprocated this gesture and appears determined to proceed with the planned strike despite the pending offer and ongoing engagement.
It reaffirmed that the administration of President Tinubu remains unwavering in its commitment to the welfare of Nigerian lecturers and the stability of the university system.
While noting that the ongoing reforms in the education sector are anchored on fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening to ensure sustainable academic excellence, the government echoed its respect for University autonomy, and clarified that certain aspects of ASUU’s demands—particularly those relating to internal governance, appointments, and promotions—are statutory responsibilities of University Governing Councils in Nigeria.
The government urged the union to allow these matters to be handled appropriately at the institutional level in line with existing regulations.
It further noted that the administration’s consistent interventions demonstrate a clear commitment to revitalising universities, improving staff welfare, and ensuring uninterrupted academic calendar.
“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 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,” the government stressed in the statement.
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