The Federal Government has ordered vice-chancellors of federal universities to immediately enforce the “no work, no pay” policy on members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) who are currently on strike.

The directive was contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and distributed to key officials, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary of Education, Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities, Director-General of the Budget Office, Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

In the circular, the ministry expressed disappointment over ASUU’s continued industrial action despite several appeals for dialogue, warning that the government would no longer tolerate violations of existing labour laws.

“In line with the provisions of the Labour Laws of the Federation, the Federal Government reiterates its position on the enforcement of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy in respect of any employee who fails to discharge his or her official duties during the period of strike action,” the circular stated.

Dr. Alausa further directed all vice-chancellors to conduct an immediate roll call and physical headcount of academic staff in their institutions, with detailed reports identifying those present at work and those absent due to the strike.

He added that salaries should be suspended for any lecturer who fails to perform official duties during the strike period.

However, the minister clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) — who are not part of the strike — should not be penalised.

“The ministry expects full compliance with this directive,” Alausa stated, instructing the NUC to monitor implementation and submit a compliance report within seven days.

“Please treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in national interest,” he added.

The directive comes amid ASUU’s two-week nationwide warning strike, which began on Monday, October 13, following the union’s declaration on Sunday.

ASUU’s demands include the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, release of withheld salaries and arrears, revitalisation funding for public universities, and an end to alleged victimisation of members in some institutions.

Renowned Nigerian evangelist and spiritual leader of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, has died at the age of 80.

His family confirmed his passing in a statement on Monday, revealing that he died on October 6, 2025. The statement described his death as a “glorious transition” from a life of service to eternal rest.

Ukpai, celebrated as a spiritual general and founding father of faith in Nigeria, dedicated over six decades to evangelism, teaching, and prophetic ministry. His work impacted millions of people across the world, shaping lives through crusades, mentorship, and his dynamic preaching of the gospel.

“He was a faithful soldier of the cross who devoted his life to spreading the gospel with passion and integrity. His teachings, prophetic insights, and mentorship have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire believers for years to come,” the family stated.

Known for his fiery preaching and large evangelistic campaigns, Ukpai’s ministry also focused on empowering clergy and lay leaders while championing humanitarian and educational causes.

Beyond his spiritual work, he was remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, and mentor to many who saw him as a guiding figure in faith and life.

The family expressed gratitude for his life and ministry, noting that while they mourn his physical absence, they take comfort in the belief that he has “finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise.”

They added that details of his burial arrangements would be announced later.

Ukpai’s legacy spans over sixty years of global evangelism, leadership training, and community impact — a life his family said reflected the biblical truth: “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

Convicted kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, has been re-arraigned before a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja over the alleged murder of two police officers.

The re-arraignment, which took place on Monday, saw Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, brought before Justice A. O. Ogala on a five-count charge bordering on murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Evans is currently facing five separate criminal cases involving kidnapping and murder of several victims and has already been convicted in two of the cases.

Further details of the proceedings are expected later.