Public universities nationwide have been shut as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) begins a two-week warning strike, rejecting the Federal Government’s “No Work, No Pay” directive.
Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, directed vice-chancellors to withhold salaries of striking lecturers, insisting that “no one will be paid for work not done.” ASUU, however, called the order intimidation.
ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, said the union would not yield to threats, insisting the government had failed to honor past agreements. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned it may join the strike if the policy is not reversed.
The government maintains that ₦50 billion has been released for academic allowances and ₦150 billion earmarked for university revitalization. But lecturers argue the promises are recycled and unfulfilled.
Across campuses, lectures and exams have halted, leaving anxious students stranded. “This is not about salaries,” an ASUU member said. “It’s about respect for education.”
