Nigeria’s university campuses are set for fresh disruption as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) kicks off a two-week warning strike, despite last-minute appeals from the Federal Government.
The union’s National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, announced the industrial action on Sunday at the University of Abuja, saying the government had failed to act meaningfully within the 14-day notice issued on September 28.
“All branches have been directed to commence a full withdrawal of services from midnight, Monday, October 13,” Piwuna declared, stressing that the strike will be total and comprehensive.
In response, the Federal Government has reminded lecturers that the “No Work, No Pay” policy remains in force and will guide its actions if academic work is halted.
In a statement signed by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, the government reaffirmed its “goodwill and flexibility,” but said it would not compromise fairness and accountability in the use of public funds.
The statement assured students, parents, and the public that the government remains committed to industrial harmony in the education sector.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa urged ASUU to embrace dialogue over confrontation, noting that President Bola Tinubu had ordered all efforts to prevent further disruptions in universities.
He added that the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Negotiation Committee had been reconstituted to accelerate discussions with both academic and non-academic unions across tertiary institutions.
As both sides dig in, students brace for another round of uncertainty and the government insists it won’t back down on its “No Work, No Pay” stance.
