ASUU: No work No pay, FG Insists
The Federal Government has reiterated that the “No Work, No Pay” policy remains applicable to university lecturers should industrial action disrupt academic activities in Nigerian public universities.
The development comes amid renewed tension between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government over outstanding salary arrears, implementation of the 2025 agreement and other welfare-related issues.
In September 2026, ASUU warned that it could reactivate its suspended nationwide strike if the Federal and State Governments failed to address unresolved issues affecting lecturers. The union said these include outstanding withheld salaries, third-party deductions and incomplete implementation of the December 2025 agreement.
The Federal Government, however, maintains that the “No Work, No Pay” policy is an existing labour policy and that it would be applied if university academic activities are disrupted. The government has also maintained that dialogue remains the preferred means of resolving the disagreement.
What Is the Dispute About?
Among the issues raised by ASUU are:
- Outstanding portions of salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action.
- Implementation of the 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement.
- Unremitted third-party deductions.
- Welfare and working conditions of university lecturers.
- Issues surrounding university autonomy.
ASUU says three-and-a-half months of the salaries withheld during the previous administration remain unpaid. The union also argues that the outstanding issues could affect industrial harmony across public universities.
The Federal Government, meanwhile, says it has taken steps toward implementing parts of the agreement. On September 9, 2026, the government announced the release of funds for payment of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance to academic staff in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education for January–August 2026.
Will ASUU Go on Nationwide Strike?
ASUU has not, in its latest September 2026 statement, declared an immediate nationwide strike. Instead, the union warned that its suspended industrial action could be activated if the outstanding issues are not satisfactorily addressed.
Therefore, students should distinguish between a strike warning and an official declaration of a nationwide strike.
Related Article: List Of State Universities In Nigeria That Are Not Under ASUU 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “No Work, No Pay” mean for ASUU?
It means lecturers who participate in an industrial action and do not perform their duties may not receive salaries for the period covered by the strike, subject to the applicable labour rules and legal processes.
Why is ASUU threatening another strike?
ASUU says the threat is linked to unresolved issues including outstanding withheld salaries, implementation of the 2025 agreement and unremitted deductions.
Has ASUU declared a nationwide strike in September 2026?
The latest report describes ASUU’s position as a warning that its suspended strike could be activated, rather than an immediate declaration of a nationwide strike.
Is the Federal Government still insisting on No Work, No Pay?
Yes. The Federal Government has maintained that the policy remains applicable if academic activities are disrupted.
What should students do now?
Students should continue attending classes and following announcements from their individual universities while monitoring official communications from ASUU and the Federal Government for any changes to the academic calendar.
