The tension between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has taken a new turn as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) strongly opposes the government’s directive enforcing the “no work, no pay” policy on striking lecturers.
The NLC, under the leadership of its President, Joe Ajaero, has described the directive as unjust, warning that the move could further worsen the already fragile industrial relations climate in the country’s tertiary education sector.
This latest development comes amid the two-week warning strike embarked upon by ASUU over the government’s failure to honour long-standing agreements covering welfare packages, revitalization funds, and other commitments.
Why the Strike Began — ASUU’s Unresolved Demands
ASUU had earlier given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to address pressing issues affecting universities and lecturers. The union’s demands include:
- Payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAAs) owed to university staff.
- Release of revitalization funds to improve infrastructure and facilities across campuses.
- Review of promotion and salary structures for academic staff.
- Implementation of university autonomy and improved governance systems.
- Settlement of withheld salaries and arrears from previous strike periods.
When the government failed to meet these conditions within the deadline, ASUU declared a two-week warning strike starting October 13, 2025, to press home its demands.
Government Enforces ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy
In response, the Federal Government directed all Vice-Chancellors and bursars to withhold the salaries of lecturers who joined the strike, invoking the “no work, no pay” rule contained in Nigeria’s labour law.
According to government officials, the measure was intended to discourage prolonged strikes and ensure that academic activities are not repeatedly disrupted by industrial actions.
However, this policy has triggered sharp criticism from the NLC and education stakeholders who argue that the directive is counterproductive and provocative, given that most of ASUU’s grievances are linked to the government’s own unfulfilled promises.
NLC Reacts: ‘You Can’t Demand Productivity Without Justice’
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, faulted the government’s approach, emphasizing that it was hypocritical to expect productivity from workers whose rights and entitlements had been neglected.
Ajaero noted that the government should focus on resolving the root causes of the strike rather than punishing those fighting for fairness. He stressed that the “no work, no pay” rule cannot apply when the government is the party failing to uphold its end of previous agreements.
He added that the labour movement would stand firmly with ASUU and resist any attempt to intimidate or penalize lecturers for exercising their right to protest and demand better conditions.
The Human Cost — Students and Universities Bear the Brunt
As usual, the immediate casualties of the ongoing standoff are students across Nigerian universities. With academic calendars frozen, lectures suspended, and examinations postponed indefinitely, thousands of undergraduates have once again been forced into an uncertain waiting period.
For many students, especially finalists, the strike means delayed graduations, disrupted plans for national service, and prolonged dependence on parents and guardians.
Parents, too, have voiced frustration over what has become a recurring cycle of industrial unrest in the education sector. Many question why every government administration struggles to sustain a lasting peace with university unions.
Analysts Weigh In: A Vicious Cycle of Broken Promises
Education analysts and policy experts have described the ongoing dispute as another example of the trust deficit between the government and academic unions.
According to experts, the failure to honour past agreements — some dating back to as far as 2009 — has eroded confidence and made dialogue increasingly difficult.
The “no work, no pay” directive, while legally defensible, could escalate the conflict rather than resolve it. Analysts warn that unless both parties adopt a more conciliatory and transparent approach, Nigerian universities may continue to suffer periodic shutdowns with grave implications for quality and global competitiveness.
ASUU’s Firm Stand: ‘We Will Not Be Intimidated’
In reaction to the government’s directive, ASUU’s leadership has maintained a resolute stance, insisting that its members will not be cowed into submission.
The union reiterated that it is not striking for selfish reasons but to demand the revitalization and survival of Nigeria’s public university system. ASUU leaders argue that if the government had kept its promises, there would be no need for industrial action in the first place.
A Growing Rift Between Labour and the Government
The current disagreement has also deepened tensions between the NLC and the Federal Government, particularly as both sides recently clashed over minimum wage negotiations and economic policies.
Observers believe that the NLC’s vocal support for ASUU could mark the beginning of a wider confrontation between organized labour and the federal authorities, especially if the “no work, no pay” stance is not reconsidered.
The Congress, through its various affiliate unions, has hinted at possible solidarity actions if the government fails to withdraw the directive or initiate genuine negotiations with ASUU.
What Lies Ahead: Possible Scenarios
At the moment, there appears to be no clear end in sight to the strike. However, three possible outcomes are being discussed in policy circles:
- Reversal of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy — if pressure from NLC, civil society, and public opinion mounts, the government might suspend or soften its directive to allow talks to resume.
- Extended Strike Action — ASUU could escalate its warning strike into an indefinite one, forcing the government back to the negotiation table under mounting public pressure.
- Compromise Settlement — both parties could agree to a middle ground involving partial payment of withheld salaries and a timeline for implementing key reforms.
Students, Lecturers, and Parents Await Next Steps
As the days drag on, the uncertainty continues to weigh heavily on all sides. Lecturers await word from ASUU’s national leadership on the next course of action, while students and parents anxiously hope for a breakthrough.
For now, all eyes remain on the Federal Government, the NLC, and ASUU, whose next moves will determine whether Nigeria’s public universities will soon reopen or slide into another prolonged shutdown.
Conclusion: The Need for Genuine Dialogue and Lasting Reform
The confrontation over the “no work, no pay” policy underscores the urgent need for genuine dialogue between the government and labour unions in Nigeria’s education sector.
Repeated strikes have weakened confidence in the public university system and jeopardized the future of millions of young Nigerians. While the NLC’s defense of ASUU reflects solidarity, lasting peace can only come when both sides show sincerity and commitment to the welfare of education in the country.
Until then, the story remains the same — lecturers on strike, students stranded, and the nation’s educational progress held hostage by unending disputes.
