ASUU Strike: Tinubu govt orders physical headcount of lecturers amid ASUU strike

The Federal Government has directed all federal universities to immediately conduct a physical headcount and roll call of academic staff as part of measures to enforce compliance with its “no work, no pay” policy.

In a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the directive was sent to vice-chancellors, pro-chancellors, and other key stakeholders in the education sector. Copies were also forwarded to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The circular instructed vice-chancellors to verify the presence of lecturers on campus and identify those actively performing their duties as opposed to those participating in the ongoing strike. “In line with existing labour regulations, any employee who fails to discharge official duties during a strike period will not be entitled to remuneration for that period,” the statement read.

Dr. Alausa expressed disappointment over ASUU’s decision to embark on a strike “despite ongoing engagement efforts,” warning that the government would no longer tolerate disruptions to the academic calendar. Universities are expected to submit detailed reports distinguishing between staff who are working and those on strike, which will guide salary payments in line with the “no work, no pay” policy.

The circular also clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), who are not part of the industrial action, will continue to receive their full entitlements.

ASUU began a two-week warning strike on Monday, October 13, to press for the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN–ASUU agreement, release of withheld salaries, revitalisation funds for public universities, payment of promotion arrears, and settlement of salary differentials.

The government, however, insists that most of the union’s demands have already been addressed, describing the strike as unnecessary.

ATTENTION: Follow 9jaReporters on Instagram for a chance to win ₦100,000 in our Top Fans Challenge!

JOIN NOW to participate and stand a chance to win exclusive prize ons, free airtime, and exciting gifts!

FOLLOW US TODAY! DON’T MISS OUT!

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticised the government’s stance, warning that threats and intimidation will not solve the crisis in the university system. NLC President, Joe Ajaero, accused the government of reneging on agreements and said ASUU’s action was “a legitimate response to years of neglect and unfulfilled promises.”

He added, “Rather than engage in genuine dialogue, the government has resorted to the unproductive threat of ‘no work, no pay,’ which only worsens the situation.”