NLC Backs ASUU, Warns FG Against ‘No Work, No Pay’ Threats

By Chinedu Echianu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its full weight behind the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in its ongoing two-week warning strike, cautioning the Federal Government against using threats of the “No Work, No Pay” policy to intimidate lecturers.

In a statement released on Monday, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, sys the Federal Government’s persistent disregard for agreements with ASUU continues to cripple Nigeria’s public education system and worsen inequality.

Ajaero described ASUU’s strike as a “necessary response to chronic neglect and broken promises,” stressing that the government’s failure to implement agreements amounts to a breach of trust.

“The breach of contract lies with the state, not the scholars,” the statement read. “Lecturers are willing to work, but the government’s refusal to honour its commitments has made it impossible for them to do so with dignity. The principle remains: ‘No Pay, No Work.’”

The labour leader condemned the Federal Government’s “unproductive threats” and accused it of promoting educational inequality while the children of the elite enjoy quality schooling abroad.

“While the children of the elite attend private institutions or study overseas, the children of the working class are left in a system deliberately weakened. An educated populace is essential for national progress, yet quality education is being reserved for the privileged few,” Ajaero said.

Call for Urgent Dialogue

The NLC urged the Federal Government to immediately engage ASUU in genuine dialogue and implement all outstanding agreements.

Ajaero also warned that if the government fails to act within the two-week strike period, the NLC would summon an emergency meeting with its affiliates in the tertiary education sector to plan a nationwide response.

“The struggle of ASUU is our struggle,” he declared. “The fight for public education is a fight for Nigeria’s future. We will no longer allow these unions to stand alone.”

The NLC emphasized that the warning strike offers the government a short window to present a concrete action plan toward fulfilling its promises, warning that failure to do so will attract the “unified force of the Nigerian workforce.”