Olushola Omogbehin
Following the strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Federal Government has warned that it would enforce the “no-work-no-pay policy” against members if the union continues with its planned strike.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Folasade Boriowo, the spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Education, the ministry accused ASUU of not being cooperative despite efforts by the government to stop the strike that was declared by the union.
“The Ministers further stressed that the government has continued to prioritise the welfare of university staff and the stability of the academic calendar under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”
Dialogue according to them is the most effective and sustainable path to resolving disagreements and government remains open to engagement at any level to prevent unnecessary disruption in the education sector.
Government further emphasised that the “no work, no pay” policy remains an extant labour law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the government will be guided by this law should academic activities be disrupted in the nation’s universities.”
Calling on the academic unions to embrace dialogue and partnership rather than confrontation, government reassured students, parents and the general public of its commitment to maintaining industrial harmony in the tertiary education system.
On Sunday, ASUU declared a warning strike starting Monday, October 13.
The requests of the ASUU include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, payment of withheld three and a half months’ salaries, sustainable and revitalised funding for public universities, payment of outstanding 25–35% salary arrears, settlement of promotion arrears spanning over four years, release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union check-off dues among others.
