NLC Threatens to Join ASUU Strike Over Federal Government’s ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned that it will align with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) if the Federal Government fails to reverse its decision to enforce the “no work, no pay” policy following ASUU’s ongoing two-week warning strike.
In a statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the Congress expressed deep concern over the prolonged crisis in Nigeria’s public education sector, citing chronic underfunding and repeated government failure to honour existing agreements.
“We serve notice that if, after this two-week warning strike, the government remains unresponsive, the NLC will not stand idly by,” Ajaero said.
“The NLC will convene an emergency meeting with its affiliates in the tertiary education sector to develop a comprehensive strategy for engaging the government.”
Government’s Breach of Agreement Blamed for ASUU Strike
The labour body blamed the government’s inaction for triggering the current strike, stressing that the federal authorities have consistently failed to implement agreements voluntarily reached with lecturers and university workers.
“The commencement of a two-week warning strike by ASUU is a direct consequence of the Federal Government’s refusal to honour collectively bargained agreements,” the statement said.
“This action is a necessary response to the neglect of a fundamental pillar of our society.”
The NLC also criticized the government’s “no work, no pay” stance, describing it as misplaced and counterproductive.
“The breach of contract lies with the state, not the scholars. Lecturers are willing to work, but the government, by reneging on its commitments, has made it impossible for them to do so with dignity and under acceptable conditions,” Ajaero stated.
“The core principle remains: ‘No Pay, No Work.’”
Education Crisis Reflects Wider Social Inequality
The NLC further argued that the crisis in tertiary education mirrors broader social inequality in Nigeria.
“While the children of the elite attend private institutions or study abroad, those of the working class are left in an underfunded public education system being systematically weakened,” the statement read.
“This growing educational divide limits social mobility and deepens inequality. An educated population is essential for national progress, yet current policies seem designed to reserve quality education for the privileged few.”
NLC Declares Solidarity With ASUU
Reaffirming its commitment to defending public education, the NLC pledged full support for ASUU and other unions in the tertiary education sector.
“The struggle of ASUU is our struggle. The fight for public education is a fight for Nigeria’s future. We will no longer allow these unions to stand alone,” Ajaero said.
The NLC urged the Federal Government to suspend its threats and focus on implementing the core elements of its agreements with university unions.
“We demand that the Federal Government use this two-week window to present a concrete plan for full implementation of all agreements,” the statement added.
“The choice is clear: honour the agreements and salvage public education, or face the united force of the entire Nigerian workforce.”
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