By Idris Auwal
The Federal Government has warned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that it may enforce the no-work-no-pay rule following the union’s declaration of a two-week warning strike.
In a statement released on Sunday night by Folasade Boriowo, spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Education, the government expressed disappointment over the decision of the union to proceed with the industrial action despite ongoing efforts to address their concerns.
The statement noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to prioritise the welfare of academic workers and the stability of the university system under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path to resolving disagreements,” the statement said. “The government remains open to engagement at all levels to prevent unnecessary disruptions in the education sector.”
The ministry, however, reminded the union that the no-work-no-pay policy is a valid labour law provision in Nigeria and could be invoked if academic activities are suspended as a result of the strike.
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While assuring parents, students, and stakeholders of its determination to sustain peace in the tertiary education sector, the government urged all academic unions to seek dialogue rather than confrontation in resolving industrial disputes.
It added that the ongoing education reforms are focused on enhancing the quality of teaching and research, strengthening university governance, and promoting productivity and innovation across the country’s tertiary institutions.
ASUU had earlier announced that it would embark on a two-week total and comprehensive warning strike starting Monday, October 13.
The union is demanding the implementation of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries, sustainable funding for public universities, and an end to alleged victimisation of members at LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.
Other demands include the payment of outstanding salary arrears ranging from 25 to 35 per cent, promotion arrears spanning more than four years, and the release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative and union dues.