The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned that it may convene an emergency national congress with all its affiliate unions if the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government fails to address the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) amid its ongoing two-week warning strike.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday and signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC accused the government of using intimidation tactics — particularly the “No Work, No Pay” directive — to silence legitimate labour demands.
According to the Congress, such an approach would only deepen the crisis in Nigeria’s already fragile tertiary education system rather than resolve it.
“The commencement of the two-week warning strike by ASUU is a direct consequence of the Federal Government’s refusal to honour collectively bargained agreements,” Ajaero said. “This action is a necessary response to the neglect of a fundamental pillar of our society.”
‘Government, Not Lecturers, Breached Contract’ — NLC
The NLC criticised the Federal Government’s stance on the “No Work, No Pay” rule, arguing that it was misplaced and unjust.
“The breach of contract lies with the state, not the scholars,” Ajaero stated. “The lecturers are willing to work, but by reneging on its commitments, the government has made it impossible for them to do so with the dignity and conditions their profession deserves.”
The labour leader said the government's repeated failure to fulfil its obligations had crippled morale among university workers and destabilised Nigeria’s higher education system.
Warning of Wider Consequences
The NLC further warned that ignoring the crisis could have long-term social and economic implications, including worsening inequality and restricting access to education for millions of young Nigerians.
“This creates an educational divide that limits social mobility and perpetuates inequality,” the statement noted. “An educated populace remains essential for national progress.”
NLC Backs ASUU, Mulls National Action
Reaffirming its solidarity with ASUU and other education unions, the NLC vowed not to allow the lecturers to “stand alone” in their struggle for fair treatment and educational reform.
“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 declared.
The Congress warned that if the government fails to act decisively before the end of ASUU’s two-week warning strike, it will mobilise nationwide structures and convene an emergency congress to determine further industrial actions across all sectors.
