NLC Warns FG: We’ll Join ASUU Strike if “No Work, No Pay” Policy Isn’t Withdrawn — Ajaero
STORY WRITTEN BY UZUH RITA OCTOBER 14,2025
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, threatening to join the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in its ongoing industrial action if the government fails to withdraw its “No Work, No Pay” policy and address the lecturers’ grievances.
In a strongly worded statement signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the labour body expressed deep concern over the persistent crisis in Nigeria’s public education sector, which it blamed on chronic underfunding and the government’s repeated failure to honour signed agreements with university unions.
“We serve notice that if, after this two-week warning strike, the government remains unresponsive, the NLC will not stand idly by,” Ajaero said.
“We will convene an emergency meeting with our affiliates in the tertiary education sector to map out a comprehensive strategy to engage the government.”
NLC Blames FG for Undermining Public Universities
According to the NLC, the federal government’s decision to enforce the “no work, no pay” directive against striking lecturers is not only counterproductive but also misleading. The union maintained that the real breach of contract lies with the government, which has failed to meet its obligations under several negotiated agreements.
“The lecturers are willing to work,” the NLC stated, “but the government, by reneging on its commitments, has made it impossible for them to do so with the dignity and conditions their profession deserves. The core principle remains: ‘No Pay, No Work.’”
The NLC further described the ASUU strike as a legitimate response to the Federal Government’s neglect of public education, warning that continued disregard for the plight of university lecturers would deepen the crisis in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Labour Body Condemns Widening Educational Inequality
The NLC lamented that the ongoing crisis in public universities has worsened educational inequality in Nigeria, as the children of the elite study abroad or in expensive private schools while the children of ordinary citizens remain stranded in underfunded institutions.
“This crisis is not just about unpaid salaries; it’s about a deliberate weakening of public education,” the statement read.
“The current approach seems designed to make quality education a privilege for the wealthy, while the poor are left behind. This perpetuates inequality and undermines national development.”
NLC Declares Full Solidarity with ASUU
In a show of solidarity, the NLC pledged its unwavering support for ASUU and all tertiary education unions, insisting that the struggle for improved education funding is a national cause that concerns every Nigerian worker.
“The struggle of ASUU is our struggle. The fight for quality public education is a fight for Nigeria’s future,” Ajaero declared.
“We will no longer allow our academic unions to stand alone in this battle.”
Call for Urgent Negotiation
The NLC urged the Federal Government to use the two-week warning period to reopen genuine dialogue with ASUU and to produce a clear roadmap for implementing all existing agreements.
“The choice before the government is clear,” the union said. “Either honour the agreements and save public education or face the united strength of Nigeria’s organised labour movement.”
The NLC also warned that if the federal government continues to ignore ASUU’s demands, it will mobilise its members nationwide for a massive solidarity strike, which could cripple multiple sectors across the country.
“We will not hesitate to deploy the collective power of the Nigerian workforce if this injustice continues,” the statement concluded.
