The Federal Government has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to shelve its industrial strike in the interest of students, warning that it will not hesitate to invoke the “No Work, No Pay” rule should lecturers proceed with the action.
In a joint statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, said the government has made what it described as a “comprehensive offer” to the union and is still awaiting its formal response.
According to the Ministers, the government’s proposal addresses ASUU’s long-standing concerns relating to working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare.
They also disclosed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a robust teaching allowance 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.
Dr Alausa and Professor Ahmad stated that the Federal Government has demonstrated sincerity and commitment through its prompt policy actions and financial interventions in the education sector.
They, however, accused ASUU of not reciprocating the government’s efforts, noting that the union appears determined to proceed with the planned two-week warning strike despite ongoing engagement.
The Ministers reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of lecturers and the stability of the university system, saying ongoing reforms in the sector are anchored on fairness, accountability, and institutional strengthening to ensure sustainable academic excellence.
While reiterating respect for university autonomy, they clarified that some of ASUU’s demands, particularly those related to internal governance, appointments, and promotions, fall under the purview of university governing councils and should be handled at the institutional level in line with existing regulations.
They also reminded the union of the subsisting “No Work, No Pay” policy, cautioning that the government will not hesitate to enforce it if ASUU goes ahead with its 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 warned.
Reassuring Nigerians of the government’s willingness to sustain dialogue, the Ministers urged ASUU to prioritise the future of students and the stability of universities over industrial action.
“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.
They concluded by appealing to ASUU to embrace dialogue and work with the Federal Government to consolidate gains already achieved in staff welfare, infrastructure, and institutional reforms.
“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 statement added.
The appeal comes amid ASUU’s announcement of a two-week warning strike expected to commence at midnight on Monday, 13 October 2025, over the government’s alleged failure to implement long-standing agreements.
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