NLC Blasts FG Over “No Work, No Pay” Policy, Says ASUU Strike Is Justified

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the Federal Government’s decision to apply the “No Work, No Pay” policy against striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), describing the move as intimidation that will only worsen the crisis in the education sector. In a statement issued on Monday, NLC President Joe Ajaero said ASUU’s two-week warning strike was a legitimate response to the government’s persistent failure to implement agreements it voluntarily signed with unions in the education sector. “The two-week warning strike by ASUU is a direct result of the Federal Government’s refusal to honour collectively bargained agreements,” Ajaero said. “This action is a necessary response to the neglect of a vital pillar of national development.” Ajaero faulted the government’s justification for the “No Work, No Pay” policy, arguing that it distorts the real situation. “The breach of contract lies with the government, not the lecturers. The scholars are willing to work, but by failing to meet its commitments, the government has made it impossible for them to do so with dignity,” he stated. According to the NLC, the ongoing struggle goes beyond industrial action and exposes a deep-rooted inequality in the nation’s education system. It noted that while children of the elite attend private or foreign institutions, the children of average Nigerians are left to suffer in underfunded public universities. “This inequality widens the educational gap, limits opportunities for the poor, and perpetuates social imbalance,” the statement read. “A functional and well-funded public education system remains the foundation for national progress.” The NLC reaffirmed its solidarity with ASUU and other education unions, urging the Federal Government to address the lecturers’ grievances instead of resorting to punitive measures. “The struggle of ASUU is our struggle. The fight for quality public education is the fight for Nigeria’s future. We will not allow these unions to stand alone,” Ajaero declared. This came after the Federal Government, in a circular dated October 13, 2025, directed vice-chancellors of federal universities to implement the “No Work, No Pay” rule against striking lecturers. The memo, signed by Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa, was copied to the Head of Civil Service, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the National Universities Commission. The directive and subsequent response from the NLC have further intensified the long-standing dispute between ASUU and the government over funding, salaries, and unfulfilled agreements that continue to plague Nigeria’s public university system.  

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FG Implements No-Work, No-Pay Policy for Striking ASUU Lecturers

The Federal Government has ordered that members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) engaged in the ongoing nationwide strike be denied pay for the period of work stoppage. The directive was issued in a circular dated October 13 and signed by Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa. Alausa expressed the government’s disappointment over ASUU’s decision to launch a two-week warning strike starting October 13, despite ongoing negotiations and repeated calls for dialogue. He instructed vice-chancellors of federal universities to apply the no-work, no-pay policy to all striking lecturers. “In line with labour laws, the Federal Government reiterates its position on enforcing the ‘no-work, no-pay’ policy for any employee who fails to carry out official duties during a strike,” the circular stated. Vice-chancellors have also been directed to conduct roll-calls and physical headcounts of all academic staff, reporting on those actively performing their duties. Lecturers who are members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA), and who are not participating in the strike, are exempt from the directive. The minister added that salaries of striking staff must be withheld, while the National Universities Commission (NUC) has been tasked with monitoring compliance and submitting a consolidated report to the Ministry of Education within seven days. ASUU’s strike arises from disputes over lecturers’ working conditions, the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, unpaid salaries, and funding for the revitalisation of public universities. The government, however, maintains that all demands have been addressed and remains open to further negotiations to resolve the dispute.

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FG Warns ASUU Against Strike, Vows To Enforce No Work No Pay Policy

FG Warns ASUU Against Strike, Vows To Enforce No Work No Pay Policy

The Federal Government has warned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) against proceeding with its planned strike, insisting it will implement the “no work, no pay” policy if academic activities are affected. In a joint statement released on Sunday, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, said the government remains committed to addressing the union’s grievances through continued dialogue. “The Federal Government has shown sincerity, patience, and goodwill in its engagement with the Union,” the statement read. According to the ministers, most of ASUU’s key demands, including increased teaching allowances and improved welfare conditions, have already been met. They added that other pending issues are now under the purview of the newly reconstituted university governing councils. “Despite these efforts, ASUU’s decision to go on strike does not demonstrate fairness to students or the public,” the statement continued. Reiterating the Tinubu administration’s commitment to sustaining stability in the education sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the ministers noted that the “no work, no pay” policy remains an active labour law that will be enforced if classes are halted. They urged ASUU to reconsider its position and return to discussions, emphasizing that “the government remains open to dialogue at all levels to prevent further disruption in the nation’s universities.”  

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FG, Benue Govt Partner To Sponsor 39 Artisans for Training in Belarus

ABUJA — The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Benue State Government, has sponsored 39 artisans to undergo training in the Republic of Belarus, as part of efforts to expand job opportunities and enhance youth empowerment across the country. The initiative, implemented under the International Job Placement Programme, aims to equip Nigerian youths with technical and vocational skills that will make them globally competitive while fostering economic development. The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, urged the beneficiaries to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria, stressing that the programme goes beyond job creation to include technology transfer and international exposure. “This initiative offers not just decent jobs, but also opportunities for the transfer of technology and skills which participants will eventually bring back home,” Onyejeocha said. The collaboration builds on a 2019 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and the Government of Belarus to promote workforce development and mutual skill exchange. According to the Director-General of the NDE, Silas Agara, the request for state participation in the programme was sent to all 36 states and the FCT, but Benue was the first to meet the sponsorship requirements. “The contract for the programme spans ten years and is renewable annually, subject to satisfactory performance,” Agara explained.“Each beneficiary has also signed an agreement to remit ₦300,000 from their monthly earnings to support their families, as well as contribute a portion to a state fund designed to assist other artisans in Benue.” The Director-General of the Benue Bureau of Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation, Benita Shuluwa, said the programme aligns with the state’s vision to build a globally competitive workforce capable of contributing meaningfully to both the local and international economy. The government expressed confidence that the skills and experiences gained in Belarus will ultimately enhance productivity, stimulate innovation, and create more employment opportunities upon the artisans’ return.

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ASUU Vows To Begin Two-Week Warning Strike If FG Fails To Act By October 13

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has maintained that it will embark on a two-week nationwide warning strike if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands by October 13, 2025. The planned strike follows a two-week ultimatum issued by the union last week, urging the government to address long-standing issues, particularly the signing and implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement. ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, reaffirmed the union’s stance on Monday during an Orientation and Leadership Training programme themed “Understanding the Principles of the Union” at the Niger Delta University (NDU) Branch in Amassoma, Bayelsa State. Piwuna said the union’s decision was final, stressing that the government’s continued silence had left ASUU with no alternative. “The warning strike has been declared, and our position stands. By midnight of Monday, we will begin a two-week warning strike. After its expiration, we’ll meet to decide on an indefinite and comprehensive action,” he said. He accused the government of neglecting the re-negotiation of the 2009 agreement despite repeated engagements, adding that ASUU had exercised patience for years. “We’ve waited long enough. The government promised to get back to us within three weeks but never did. Nigerians should know we don’t just jump into strikes — we resort to them after all efforts at dialogue fail,” he explained. Piwuna also criticized the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), arguing that student loans were unrealistic in a struggling economy. “We have told the government that loans cannot work in a country where unemployment is high and families can barely feed. If they truly want to support students, the funds should come as grants, not loans,” he said. He further questioned NELFUND’s reported N14 billion personnel spending despite having fewer than 100 staff members, describing it as evidence of mismanagement. ASUU National Financial Secretary, Happiness Uduk, reminded members that the union stands for integrity, transparency, and accountability, urging them to uphold those values. Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Delta State, Professor Ezekiel Agbalagba, encouraged members to remain united and guided by the principles outlined by former ASUU President, Festus Iyayi, noting that internal collaboration was key to achieving academic excellence. Vice Chancellor of Niger Delta University, Professor Allen Agih, commended ASUU for organizing the training, describing it as an important initiative that should be held regularly to strengthen the union’s leadership. ASUU NDU Branch Chairperson, Lucky Bebeteidoh, thanked the national president for attending the event and praised members for their commitment and contributions during the discussions.

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FG Approves Construction of Hostels For Abuja Law School

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to immediately commence the construction of two hostels of 300 capacity each for the Nigerian Law School, Abuja. The President also directed the construction of the road linking the Body of Benchers Secretariat, Jabi District with Nile University. The FCT Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka said in a release on Tuesday, that the projects will be executed under emergency consideration. He disclosed that one female hostel with capacity for 300 occupants and another 300-capacity male hostel will be constructed in the Nigerian Law School, Abuja to provide accommodation for students of the school. The FCT Minister’s Spokesperson said the road linking the Body of Benchers Secretariat with Nile University, when completed, will ease traffic congestion on the road leading to the head office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

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NLC Gives FG Seven-Day Ultimatum Over NSITF PENCOM Edo Crisis

NLC Gives FG Seven-Day Ultimatum Over NSITF PENCOM Edo Crisis

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to return allegedly diverted workers’ funds and constitute the Governing Board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), warning it will not guarantee industrial peace if ignored. In a communiqué after its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting, the NLC ratified the dissolution of its Edo State Council leadership over alleged unethical conduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional breaches. A caretaker committee will oversee the council until fresh elections are held. The CWC accused the government of diverting 40% of workers’ contributions to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) into national revenue, in violation of the law, and of making false ownership claims to the NLC headquarters. It also condemned cyber and media bullying of unions and moves to amend the NSITF Act to give the government full control. On PENCOM, the NLC decried the prolonged absence of its Governing Board, saying it undermines oversight of pension funds. It demanded that diverted NSITF funds be returned, PENCOM’s Board constituted, and a full pension fund report issued within seven working days, or face nationwide action.

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Benue Killings: Seadogs Call on FG to End Cycle of Bloodshed

The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) is outraged and deeply pained by the continued orgy of violence and bloodletting that has once again erupted in Benue State, where armed marauders, widely reported to be Fulani herders, have laid siege to communities, leaving in their wake death, destruction, and displacements. In a statement issued on Tuesday by the NAS Capn, Dr Joseph Oteri, the association said it was in solidarity with the traumatised and bereaved families of Yelewata and other communities who are victims of this senseless carnage. The statement read, “It is unconscionable that in the year 2025, entire communities in Nigeria still live under the shadow of fear, unable to sleep, farm, or assemble freely, because their lives are constantly under threat from well-armed killers who operate with brazen impunity. “Reports of the recent massacre in Yelewata, with over 100 lives reportedly lost, should shake the conscience of every Nigerian and spur the government into decisive, responsible action. Tragically, that has not been the case. “We strongly condemn not only the heinous acts of violence committed against innocent villagers but also the lukewarm response of the authorities whose duty it is to protect lives and property.” While we acknowledge President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive to security chiefs and the deployment of Special Forces to Benue State, the National Association of Seadogs emphasised that these actions must not become yet another reactive gesture that fizzles out once the media spotlight fades. “This must mark the beginning of a sustained, coordinated, and transparent security strategy to end this national shame,” it added. According to NAS, equally disturbing is the divisive rhetoric coming from some quarters of government, particularly the attempt by Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to blame victims for their misfortune by insinuating internal collaboration with attackers. “This unfortunate narrative only deepens mistrust, polarises communities, and diverts attention from the real threat, armed bandits masquerading as herders, terrorising citizens, and threatening national unity,” it said. As a way forward, the association urged the Federal Government to establish a hybrid task force comprising the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Police, and trained community protection volunteers. “This force must be rooted in local intelligence, equipped with technology, and mandated to dislodge armed militias and secure borders around Benue and adjoining states,” it said. In the same vein, NAS tasked the Federal Government to prosecute perpetrators and sponsors of this extreme violence. “The cycle of impunity must be broken. The security forces must go beyond chasing shadows; they must identify, apprehend, and prosecute the masterminds, financiers, and armed field operatives behind these attacks. Justice must not only be done but seen to be done,” NAS said. The organisation also urged the federal government to convene a national summit to resolve the protracted conflict between farmers and pastoralists once and for all. “This must include the urgent adoption of ranching policies, prohibition of open grazing in vulnerable areas, and provision of support systems for livestock management. “Thousands have been displaced and are now at the mercy of hunger, trauma, and hopelessness. A special humanitarian intervention should be mobilised by NEMA and donor agencies to provide food, shelter, and psychosocial support for displaced persons in Benue. “As a people united by a common identity and as an organisation driven by the ethos of justice and human dignity, the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) demands a definitive end to the bloodletting. We require leadership, not platitudes. We demand accountability, not blame games. We demand action, not condolence letters. “To the grieving people of Benue, we send our heartfelt condolences and unyielding solidarity. Your pain is our pain. Your struggle is our cause,” it added.

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