The Federal Government has ordered the strict enforcement of the no-work, no-pay policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) engaged in the ongoing nationwide strike
The directive, contained in a circular dated October 13 and signed by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, came amid the government’s dissatisfaction with ASUU’s decision to commence a two-week warning strike despite ongoing negotiations.
Alausa instructed vice-chancellors of federal universities to ensure that academic staff participating in the strike do not receive salaries for the duration of the work stoppage. “In line with extant provisions of the labour laws, the Federal Government reiterates its position on the enforcement of the ‘no-work, no-pay’ policy in respect of any employee who fails to discharge his or her official duties during the period of strike action,” the circular stated.
Vice-chancellors have also been directed to carry out a roll-call and physical headcount of all academic staff and submit reports identifying staff members who are actively performing their duties.
Academic workers affiliated with the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), who are not participating in the strike, are exempt from this policy.
“Ensure that salary payment for the period of work stoppage is withheld from those who fail to perform their duties,” Alausa added. The National Universities Commission (NUC) has been tasked with monitoring compliance and providing a consolidated report to the ministry within seven days.
ASUU launched the warning strike on Sunday, citing issues including work conditions, the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, unpaid salaries, and funding for public university revitalisation. The government, however, stated that all of ASUU’s demands had been addressed and expressed readiness for continued dialogue to prevent further disruption.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
