In an unprecedented move, President Bola Tinubu has instructed the relevant government agencies responsible for enforcing the controversial “no work, no pay” policy against the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to waive it for the benefit of the affected union members.

Moreover, Tinubu has ordered that the withheld salary of the striking workers for a period of four months be released and promptly paid.

According to Ajuri Ngelale, the presidential spokesperson, this decision exemplifies the President’s prerogative of mercy.

Recalling the commencement and subsequent termination of the eight-month industrial action, which commenced on February 14, 2022, and concluded on October 17, 2022, Ngelale stated that the “no work, no pay” order was imposed on ASUU members.

Ngelale elaborated, saying, “In light of President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to alleviate the challenges experienced during the implementation of crucial economic reforms in the country, coupled with his recognition of the fruitful negotiations held between ASUU and the Federal Government of Nigeria, he has directed the exceptional granting of a final waiver on the ‘no work, no pay’ policy for ASUU. This waiver will allow the previously striking ASUU members to receive four months’ worth of withheld salary from the eight months of backlogs.”

“In granting this waiver,” Ngelale continued, “the President has mandated the Federal Ministry of Education and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to secure a Document of Understanding (DoU) confirming that this exceptional waiver granted by the President will be the last one ever issued to ASUU and all other education sector unions.”