A directive in a memo that enforces a no-work-no-pay rule has been communicated to universities by the National Universities Commission to universities’ VCs. The memo read: “In view of the current Industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, the Federal Government has directed that there shall be no payment of any form of salaries and allowances to the staff on strike in federal and inter-varsity centres.” The memo from NUC, signed by the Director, Research, Information and Technology, Dr S. B Ramon-Yusuf, further stressed that payment of salaries from any other sources would be viewed as a violation of extant rules and government’s directive.
“Consequently, I am to direct vice-chancellors to apply the “No-work-no-pay” rule. However, universities and inter-varsity centres are to pay salaries and allowances to non-teaching staff. All Vice-Chancellors and Directors of Centers should note that the salaries to staff on strike from whatever source of funds shall be viewed as a violation of extant rules and directive of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
The directive by the federal government, according to ASUU chairman of the University of Ibadan, Dr. Deji Omole, would fuel the lecturers’ struggle. “The government should honour agreements reached with the union instead of resulting to harassment and intimidation of union members,” Dr Omole said.Photo Credit: Getty
