How Buhari Rejected ASUU’s Demand for Six Months Salaries

Date: Thursday (exact date not specified in report)

Context:
President Muhammadu Buhari directed that the “no work, no pay” policy be invoked against striking university lecturers following a briefing from Education Minister Adamu Adamu on the status of negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The decision came after the President expressed displeasure that:

• ASUU’s demands had been reduced mainly to six months’ salary arrears.

• The government had already approved a 35% salary increase for professors and 27% for other lecturers.

• Other university staff unions had agreed to suspend strikes, but ASUU continued its action.

Key Points from the Report

1. Government Position:

• President Buhari was reportedly shocked that lecturers were dissatisfied despite substantial salary increases.

• The Education Minister was instructed to implement “no work, no pay” to impress upon lecturers the negative impact of the strike.

• The government argues the strike has disrupted academic activities, depriving students of timely education.

2. ASUU’s Stand:

• ASUU claims the strike is justified due to unfulfilled agreements by the government, including revitalisation of universities and release of salary arrears.

• ASUU emphasizes that university lecturers do more than teaching—they also conduct research and community service.

• The union asserts it has legal backing for its strike actions.

3. Call for Union Liberalisation:

• The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) advocates for freedom of association in academia to allow lecturers to choose their unions.

• CONUA notes that strikes have caused over 1,417 days of lost academic activities (1999–2021) and calls for urgent stakeholders’ meetings to find lasting solutions.

4. Public Opinion & Stakeholders’ Views:

• Some Nigerians and activists argue that invoking “no work, no pay” is morally wrong under the circumstances:

  • Senator Shehu Sani: Urges compromise, noting students have lost an academic session.

  • Comrade Alagoa Morris & Prof. Obasi Igwe: Advocate for government to pay lecturers to resume teaching.

  • Pastor Chijioke Nwokeke & Bishop Samuel Ezeofor: Call for negotiations and personal engagement between President and lecturers.

• Critics argue the policy fails to account for research and community service, which lecturers continue to perform during strikes.

5. Points of Contention:

• Government cites “no work, no pay” as standard labor law.

• ASUU and activists argue the government is partly at fault due to unfulfilled agreements dating back to 2009.

• The strike is now in its sixth month, with significant impact on students, research, and academic calendars.

Summary of Opinions

Key Takeaways

1. ASUU strike continues despite government efforts and other unions suspending theirs.

2. No work, no pay policy has been officially invoked for striking lecturers.

3. Salary arrears, university revitalisation, and unfulfilled agreements remain the core dispute.

4. Public and civil society largely urge compromise and a student-first approach rather than strict enforcement of the law.

5. The strike has severely disrupted university education, potentially affecting graduation timelines and future workforce readiness.