In a significant move aimed at alleviating the ongoing challenges posed by a prolonged academic strike, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has invoked the Principle of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy. As a result, he has approved a partial waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” Order that was previously imposed on striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The strike, which commenced on February 14, 2022, and concluded on October 17, 2022, spanned over eight months. During this period, salaries of ASUU members were withheld due to the “No Work, No Pay” policy. President Tinubu’s decision acknowledges the faithful implementation of the terms agreed upon in negotiations between ASUU and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Under this exceptional waiver, previously striking ASUU members will now receive four months’ worth of withheld salary accruals. It is seen as a measure to mitigate the financial difficulties faced by the academic community and support the implementation of crucial economic reforms in the country.
However, this waiver comes with a critical condition. The Federal Ministry of Education and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment are required to establish a Document of Understanding (DoU) ensuring that this exceptional waiver is the final one to be granted to ASUU and other Education Sector Unions.
This decision, made by President Bola Tinubu, underscores the importance of resolving issues within the education sector while considering the broader economic landscape of Nigeria.
