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Breaking News: ASUU Fires Back at FG: 'No Pay, No Work' Begins Nationwide as Lecturers Withdraw Services
In a major standoff between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), lecturers across several public universities have begun a total withdrawal of academic services following the delay in payment of June 2025 salaries.
Reporters gathered that the action is in line with ASUU's earlier warning to implement a “no pay, no work” policy if the government failed to meet its salary obligations. The union's National President, Chris Piwuna, had sounded the alarm last week, insisting that delays beyond the third day of the new month would be met with decisive action.
The University of Jos chapter, led by Chairman Dr. Jurbe Molwus, has already downed tools. “Our members have abstained from lectures and statutory meetings in accordance with the NEC resolution,” he said, confirming that a strike monitoring team had been activated to enforce compliance.
At Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, ASUU Chairman Angulu Haruna described the situation as “deliberate negligence” on the part of the Federal Government. He condemned what he called “consistent disregard” for university staff welfare, adding that the delay excuse—blamed on IPPIS migration—no longer holds water.
In Abuja, lecture halls at the University of Abuja remained empty on Monday as lecturers complied with ASUU’s directive. Similar scenes were reported at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where a senior lecturer revealed that most staff had agreed not to teach or attend meetings until the June salaries are fully paid.
In a parallel development, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a stern warning of its own, threatening a nationwide strike if the government fails to clear salary backlogs for polytechnic lecturers.
Despite threats of enforcing a 'No Work, No Pay' policy, ASUU and ASUP maintain that their members cannot continue working without being paid.
The unfolding crisis is fueling fears of another prolonged disruption in Nigeria’s higher education sector, as academic unions dig in and demand immediate government action.