FG to VCs: Enforce No Work, No Pay-How It Will Affect Campuses

With a 14-day ASUU warning strike that began on Monday, October 13, 2025, the Federal Government has ordered vice-chancellors of federal universities to apply the “no work, no pay” rule, while exempting CONUA and NAMDA members who are not on strike. Universities have also been told to track attendance and submit compliance reports.

The directive asks VCs to mark absence from duty during the strike and to withhold salaries accordingly. In parallel, the ministry wants physical headcounts and daily logs to prove who worked and who didn’t. The policy does not cover lecturers under CONUA and NAMDA since they did not join the industrial action.

The legal ground: Section 43, Trade Disputes Act

The government’s stance rests on Section 43(1) of the Trade Disputes Act (TDA), which says employees are not entitled to wages for periods they are on strike. Nigerian labour commentary and court interpretations referencing Section 43 have repeatedly affirmed employers’ power to withhold pay when work is withdrawn.

ASUU argues the policy is punitive and won’t deter its action over unmet demands; the NLC has also criticised the government’s approach. This sets up another standoff over pay, arrears and recognition that could prolong disruptions.

How universities may respond 

Tighter timekeeping and HR controls. Expect mandatory sign-ins, course-delivery proofs, and dean-level verification before payroll is processed, especially in faculties with mixed union affiliation.

Selective payroll withholding. Bursaries are likely to prorate salaries for staff flagged as absent, while paying those who taught or performed assigned duties (including CONUA/NAMDA members). This mirrors past enforcement cycles and aligns with TDA 43(1).

Increased reporting to Abuja. VCs are being asked for daily/weekly compliance returns during the strike, attendance figures, classes held, and any disruptions.

The human cost on students

Lost weeks and compressed semesters. Calendars will likely be reworked, shrinking revision periods and pushing exams later into the year. Final-year projects and defences are the first casualties.

NYSC and graduation delays. If strike days accumulate, some institutions may miss Senate meetings needed to approve results, delaying mobilisation for service. For students planning international study, delayed transcripts and degree awards can jeopardise visa windows.

Learning quality gaps. When semesters are compressed, practicals, fieldwork, and continuous assessment suffer,effects that persist beyond a strike’s end.

Equity concerns. Where some departments continue teaching (e.g., non-striking CONUA/NAMDA members), students in other departments may fall behind within the same university, widening intra-campus inequities.