The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, threatening a nationwide shutdown if President Bola Tinubu’s administration fails to address the ongoing demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) within the period of its two-week warning strike.
In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the Congress expressed deep concern over what it described as the government’s continued indifference to issues affecting the education sector, particularly the welfare and working conditions of university lecturers. The NLC said the government’s approach, especially its invocation of the “No Work, No Pay” policy, was counterproductive and could further destabilize Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
According to the statement, “The commencement of a two-week warning strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is a direct consequence of the Federal Government’s refusal to honour collectively bargained agreements. This action is a necessary response to the neglect of a fundamental pillar of our society.”
The NLC accused the government of failing to show commitment to resolving long-standing issues that have crippled university education in the country. It noted that the unwillingness to implement previously signed agreements and to address core issues such as funding, revitalization, earned academic allowances, and staff welfare continues to undermine stability in the sector.
“The breach of contract lies with the state, not the scholars,” Ajaero said. “The lecturers are willing to work, 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 Congress further described the government’s reliance on punitive measures like “No Work, No Pay” as an intimidation tactic that would only deepen the crisis. It argued that such an approach reflects a disregard for dialogue and collective bargaining, both of which are essential to sustaining industrial harmony.
The NLC maintained that the roots of the crisis extend beyond ASUU’s immediate demands. It emphasized that the persistent neglect of public universities contributes to a broader erosion of the nation’s intellectual base, which ultimately affects social mobility, equity, and national development.
“This creates an educational divide that limits opportunities and perpetuates inequality,” the Congress noted. “An educated populace remains essential for national progress, and neglecting university education is a direct assault on Nigeria’s development future.”
Reaffirming its solidarity with ASUU and other unions in the education sector, the NLC declared that it would not remain passive while public education continued to deteriorate. It warned that if the government failed to engage constructively and fulfil its obligations, the Congress would be compelled to intervene decisively.
“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.
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The NLC said that its National Executive Council would convene an emergency session at the end of ASUU’s two-week warning strike to determine further actions. It stated that all its affiliates would be mobilized nationwide to support the lecturers if the government failed to act responsibly.
Labour observers note that the warning comes at a time when Nigeria’s tertiary education system is still recovering from disruptions caused by past industrial actions. Many stakeholders have expressed concern that a new round of strikes could derail the academic calendar and worsen student frustration.
Education analysts have also pointed out that the frequent breakdown of agreements between the government and university unions has eroded trust and made collective bargaining increasingly difficult. They argue that a long-term solution requires not only fulfilling past commitments but also establishing a sustainable framework for university funding and governance.
ASUU’s current warning strike, which began last week, was declared to protest the government’s alleged failure to honour the terms of previous negotiations. The union cited unfulfilled promises regarding revitalization funds, unpaid allowances, and the non-implementation of agreements reached in earlier dialogues.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has yet to issue an official response to NLC’s latest threat. Sources within the ministry, however, suggested that talks were ongoing and that the government remained committed to resolving the dispute amicably.
For the NLC, however, patience appears to be wearing thin. The Congress insists that the future of Nigerian students must not be held hostage to bureaucratic delays or political calculations. It urged the government to treat the education sector with the seriousness it deserves and to adopt a proactive approach to labour relations.
As the two-week warning strike progresses, the possibility of a nationwide shutdown looms large, raising fears of another wave of disruption in Nigeria’s already fragile education system. Many hope that the government and ASUU can reach a compromise before the deadline to avert a deeper crisis.
