The Federal Government has warned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that it will implement a ‘no work, no pay’ policy as the union prepares for a strike.
The warning, contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, October 12, by Ministry of Education’s Director of Press, Folasade Boriowo, comes just as ASUU declared a two-week warning strike beginning at midnight on Monday, October 13.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, issued the caution after the union announced the strike, citing the government’s failure to meet outstanding demands following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum.
Alausa, however, maintained that the government remains open to dialogue.
The Minister said the government has fulfilled most of the union’s requirements, which include the introduction of a significant percentage of teaching allowance and notable improvements in the conditions of service for academic staff.
The statement said: “The few remaining matters are those that rightfully fall within the jurisdiction of the governing councils of the respective universities, which have been recently reconstituted to handle such internal issues.
“He said that though the government is making all efforts to resolve all the issues and ensure that students remain in school, ASUU is not operating with the same zeal.
“The government had met the deadline for presenting its position to the union as agreed, yet instead of reverting to the Ministry in continuation of dialogue, ASUU has chosen to proceed with strike action.
“This action, the Ministers observed, does not reflect a spirit of cooperation or fairness to the students and the public, especially given the government’s demonstrable commitment and concrete steps already taken.
“The Ministers further stressed that the government has continued to prioritize the welfare of university staff and the stability of the academic calendar under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“According to him, dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path to resolving disagreements, and government remains open to engagement at any level to prevent unnecessary disruption in the education sector.”
According to him, 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 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 Minister reassured Nigerian students, parents, and the general public that the Federal Government is firmly committed to maintaining industrial harmony in the nation’s tertiary education system.
He appealed to all academic unions to embrace partnership and dialogue rather than confrontation, in the collective interest of the nation’s higher education system.
Alausa reiterated that the government’s education reform agenda is designed to enhance teaching and research conditions, promote institutional autonomy through strengthened university governance, and ensure that the academic community thrives in an environment of mutual respect, productivity, and innovation.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to work with all stakeholders to safeguard the academic calendar and prevent further disruption in the learning process.
Alausa urged ASUU to reconsider its position and return to dialogue in the best interest of students and the future of Nigeria’s education system.
Leave a comment