By Eniola Amadu, Bólúwatifẹ́ Kehinde, Ismaeel Aleem
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), on Sunday declared a nationwide two weeks warning strike, shutting down all concerned tertiary institutions academic activities.
The union’s core demands are rooted in the long standing and unfulfilled agreement between the FG/ASUU 2009 negotiations and subsequent agreements, some of which includes the payment of withheld salaries from previous strikes, release of revitalization funds for universities.
The FG, in response to the strike, has declared the “no work no pay” policy to cajole ASUU.
Citing the nation’s Labour Laws, the FG warns that any ASUU member who neglects their official duties will not receive a salary for the duration of the industrial action.
According to the circular released, the FG said “In line with the provisions of the Labour Laws of the Federation, 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.”
However, this policy has been met with mixed reactions from public stakeholders and groups.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in a solidarity move, faulted FG’s policy, and threatened not to stand inactively if the FG failed to resolve the issue.
“We call on the Federal Government to immediately set aside its threats and address the core issues in the negotiated agreements with ASUU.
“We serve notice that if, after this two-week warning strike, the government remains unresponsive, the NLC will not stand idly by.”
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, further said, “the struggle of ASUU is our struggle. The fight for public education is a fight for Nigeria’s future. We will no longer allow these unions to stand alone.
“We demand that the FG use this two-week window to present a concrete plan for the full implementation of all agreements.”
Meanwhile, in response to the declaration of strike by ASUU, students have expressed their concerns over unplanned academic disruption and extension, calling for a positive intervention from the federal government.
STUDENTS WORRY
A student of University of Nsukka, Enugu State, Zacchaeus Amarachi, expressed her displeasure on the strike citing its educational setback effect.
“The strike has really messed up my academic plans. I was hoping to finish my exams soon, but now everything is on hold, and I still have about six papers left,” she said.
She pleaded with the government to “do the needful”, according to her, “the government should do the needful by ensuring that these staff are paid what they are owed for peace to return to the education system.”
Speaking on the no work, no pay policy response from the FG, she condemned the policy as “ the worst thing they could ever do.”
She further said such may only result in severe consequences.
“They just triggered more anger into the union and more drastic action might be taken if the proper thing isn’t done,” she said.
Daodu Samuel, a 400-level student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, expressed concern over the ongoing strike, saying it has completely disrupted academic life on campus.
“The strike is wasting our time and killing our motivation. Many of us are stuck at home, and it’s affecting our future plans,” he said.
Samuel emphasised that the continued disruption is not only affecting students’ education but also creating anxiety among parents. He called on both the government and ASUU to put students first in their negotiations.
“There should be honest dialogue and lasting solutions, not temporary fixes. Only true commitment from both sides can end this,” he added.
He also urged the government to fulfill its promises regarding salaries and school facilities, while encouraging unions to pursue peaceful dialogue instead of constant shutdowns.
Meanwhile, an Estate Management student at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Abegunde Samuel, says the ongoing two-week academic staff strike has brought mixed feelings—offering both relief and concern.
“The academic rush was too much. This strike came at the right time to ease pressure,” he said. However, he noted that the break has disrupted exam preparations, as many lecturers are yet to complete their syllabi. Exams were scheduled to begin at the end of November.
Also, Okunlola Samuel a student of Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, urged the federal government to meet lecturers’ essential demands. “They should be given what they truly deserve, even if not everything at once. Frequent strikes hurt students most,” he said.
He also described the situation as a mix feeling, saying, “honestly, the ongoing strike has been quite useful in some ways. As a 300-level medical student at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, I’ve found that this break has given me the chance to slow down a bit and catch up. I have been using the time to read, research, and really dive deeper into my studies—things I might not have had as much time for during the regular academic schedule.
“It’s not exactly what I’d call fun, but it has definitely been helpful. I’ve had more time to breathe, to rest, and also to grow. I’ve been training, rehearsing, and developing myself both academically and personally.”
sympathy for ASUU, saying, “ASUU has the right to fight for their rights,” and noted that they are workers who deserve to demand their benefits, provided they act with decency.
“They’re parents to some people and if they’re truly lacking, they should do anything and everything to get what belongs to them. However, they shouldn’t be unreasonable.”
For Ifeoluwa, she revealed that the strike will reduce the zeal to study and increase her need to source funds for herself saying “ I’m supposed to graduate early 2027 and I’m to start reading for 400 level law first semester, however, if ASUU goes on strike, the zeal to study leaves and the need to make money takes over.”
Responding to the no work no pay policy issued by the federal government, she expressed her view from both sides of the party.
“It would be a good approach if according to what the government said, all the demands have been met so as to stop the association from being unreasonable.” She said.
“However, if the demands haven’t been met, it’s a very bad approach as it’s the government’s way of frustrating the association and its members into resuming activities with unsatisfied demands. The government would be stripping them off their rights.” she revealed.
