The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its full support behind the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as the union commenced a two-week nationwide warning strike on October 13, 2025.
The NLC criticized the Federal Government’s enforcement of the “No Work, No Pay” policy, calling it unjust and a misrepresentation of the realities on the ground.
NLC President Joe Ajaero stated in a press release, “The strike by ASUU is a direct result of the Federal Government’s failure to honor agreements previously negotiated with the union. Lecturers are not defying the system; they are responding to years of unfulfilled promises and neglect.” He emphasized that the breach of contract rests with the government, not the academic staff.
The NLC has urged the Federal Government to put aside threats of salary withholding and engage constructively with ASUU during the strike period. “We are calling on the government to use this two-week window to resolve the core issues in the agreement. Failure to do so could prompt broader collective action from the Nigerian workforce,” Ajaero warned.
In contrast, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its position on the “No Work, No Pay” policy. Vice-chancellors of all federal universities were directed to ensure compliance with labor laws, including conducting immediate roll calls and physical headcounts of academic staff to monitor strike participation.
ASUU’s strike focuses on unresolved issues including the implementation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the release of withheld salaries, and securing sustainable funding for the revitalization of public universities. The union insists the strike will continue until these concerns are fully addressed, highlighting the critical need for dialogue and action.
The NLC’s support signals a strong labor front standing with ASUU, increasing pressure on the government to engage meaningfully with the lecturers. Both unions stress that fair resolution is essential to avoid escalation into larger nationwide labor disruptions.
