The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to address the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) or risk a total shutdown of the country by organised labour.
NLC President Joe Ajaero announced the ultimatum in Abuja on Monday after a crucial meeting with leaders of unions in tertiary institutions.
According to Ajaero, the four-week window is to give the government enough time to resolve all outstanding issues with the university lecturers, including the long-standing 2009 ASUU-Federal Government agreement.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Labour House, alongside top leaders of the academic unions, Ajaero warned that if the government fails to act, the NLC would mobilize for an indefinite strike in solidarity with ASUU and other educational unions.
He stated that the unions are not interested in confrontation but in fair treatment and fulfillment of promises made to Nigerian educators. Ajaero stressed that the situation could be resolved quickly if the Federal Government shows sincerity and commitment to addressing the grievances.
However, he cautioned that continued neglect or disregard for labour’s concerns would leave them with no choice but to “shut down the country.”
“No Work, No Pay” Policy
The ultimatum follows ASUU’s declaration of a two-week “total and comprehensive” strike last Sunday. The union’s president, Chris Piwuna, explained that the strike came after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum earlier issued on September 28, over the government’s failure to meet its obligations.
ASUU’s decision was based on unresolved issues relating to staff welfare, infrastructure deficits, unpaid salaries, and the full implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement.
In response, the Federal Government condemned the strike action, arguing that it was already working to address the concerns raised by the lecturers.
It also directed universities to enforce a “No Work, No Pay” policy, warning that any academic staff member who refuses to perform official duties during the strike period would forfeit their salary.
A circular from the Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed this stance, stating that “in line with extant provisions of labour laws, the Federal Government reiterates its position on the enforcement of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy.”
Vice-Chancellors of public universities were further instructed to conduct roll calls and physical headcounts of academic staff to determine those who are on duty and submit reports accordingly.
The standoff between ASUU and the Federal Government has reignited tensions across Nigeria’s education sector, with students and parents once again fearing a prolonged disruption to the academic calendar.
What You Should Know
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), under the leadership of Joe Ajaero, is pressing the Federal Government to resolve long-standing disputes with ASUU, which centre on funding, salaries, and the implementation of a 2009 agreement.
ASUU’s current strike and the government’s “No Work, No Pay” stance have reignited tensions, potentially setting the stage for a nationwide shutdown if the issues remain unresolved after four weeks.
