The Federal Government has directed all vice-chancellors of federal universities to implement the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) currently on strike.

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

The circular expressed the government’s dissatisfaction with ASUU’s ongoing strike despite what it described as repeated efforts at dialogue. It warned that the administration would not tolerate any breach of labour regulations going forward.

“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 directed all vice-chancellors to immediately conduct a roll call and physical verification of academic staff in their institutions. He also ordered them to submit a detailed report identifying staff members who are present and performing their duties, as well as those who are absent or participating in the strike.

According to the directive, salaries must be suspended for any employee who fails to fulfill their responsibilities 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 continue to receive their full salaries.

Dr. Alausa further mandated the NUC to monitor compliance and submit a comprehensive implementation report to the Ministry of Education within seven days of receiving the circular.

“Please treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in national interest,” the minister urged university administrators.

The latest enforcement move signals a tougher stance by the Federal Government against prolonged academic disruptions, as the standoff between ASUU and the government over funding, salary arrears, and welfare demands continues to cripple academic activities across federal universities.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

University of Ibadan Crowned Nigeria’s Top University in 2026 THE Rankings Amid Push for Education Reforms

Millions of Nigerians using OPay were thrown into confusion and panic over the weekend after cryptic social media posts from popular influencers sparked fears about the safety of their funds. The wave of anxiety began after journalist Seun Okinbaloye and UK-based influencer Dami Foreign made vague online warnings that many interpreted as signs of trouble within the fintech giant.

What seemed like casual cautionary posts quickly spiraled into a nationwide frenzy, with users flooding social media platforms—especially X (formerly Twitter)—to share screenshots of their balances, transfer alerts, and frantic questions about whether OPay was in crisis.

The alarm started late Friday when Okinbaloye, known for his tough interviews on Arise TV, tweeted: “If you’re banking digitally, double-check your security settings. Things are shifting fast, don’t wait for the glitch.” He gave no details or sources, but the tone set off concern among his followers. Within hours, Dami Foreign, a diaspora influencer with over half a million followers, added fuel with her own post: “OPay folks, heads up—heard whispers of major issues. Secure your funds or regret it. #FintechWatch.” The combination of urgency, emojis, and ambiguity ignited fears of an impending system collapse.

By Saturday morning, #OPayPanic topped Nigeria’s trending topics with more than 100,000 mentions in less than 24 hours. Users shared unverified claims of failed withdrawals and frozen accounts. “Tried to withdraw ₦800,000—declined! What’s happening?” one trader in Lagos wrote. Others said they had moved money out of the app “just in case,” fearing a repeat of previous digital banking disruptions during the 2023 cash scarcity.

Amid the chaos, unsubstantiated stories began circulating—claims of server hacks, regulatory crackdowns, and “Chinese owners shutting down operations.” None of the allegations were confirmed, but the viral speculation reflected the growing public mistrust in Nigeria’s digital finance ecosystem, where fraud losses reportedly exceed ₦10 billion annually.

OPay moved swiftly to calm nerves. In a Sunday statement shared on its official X handle and website, the company dismissed the rumors, saying: “We are fully licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and insured up to ₦5 million per account by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). Our services remain fully operational—there are no issues. Please ignore baseless claims.” The fintech urged customers to activate two-factor authentication and promised stronger security updates soon.

In a response to TechCabal, an OPay spokesperson said: “This is misinformation at its worst. We’ve processed over ₦50 trillion in transactions this year with 99.9% uptime. Users’ funds are safe.”

Faced with backlash, both influencers issued clarifications. Okinbaloye explained that his post was “general advice on digital safety, not directed at OPay,” while Dami Foreign released a video saying her message was “a broad fintech warning” and not based on insider information. Still, online users accused them of spreading panic. Memes dubbing the duo “The Panic Twins” went viral, while consumer protection groups like FICAN urged regulators to introduce stricter accountability standards for influencers in financial communication.

This isn’t OPay’s first brush with public skepticism. The company, owned by Opera Software, has faced criticism in the past for account freezes linked to fraud investigations and a donation mix-up that went viral in 2024. Yet, it remains one of Nigeria’s strongest fintech players, recently named Africa’s top fintech firm for 2025 and launching a ₦1.2 billion SME support fund.

Financial analysts believe the recent scare reveals deeper trust issues between Nigerians and digital financial systems. “In a low-trust economy, influencers can unintentionally trigger financial instability,” said Chinedu Nwankwo of Proshare. “Their words carry the power of headlines—but without the responsibility.”

As queues formed at POS outlets and the OPay app’s Play Store rating dropped by 15% overnight, the company rolled out a “Trust Challenge” campaign offering ₦100,000 to users who secure their accounts as part of efforts to restore confidence.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Dino Melaye Criticises Tinubu Over Fresh World Bank Loan, Compares Borrowing to Loan Apps

In Nigeria’s ever-evolving education sector, elite secondary schools have become more than just learning spaces, they’re status symbols for families who can afford the very best. These institutions blend international curricula, high-end facilities, and global exposure to create students ready for Ivy League universities and top global careers.

By 2025, tuition fees in some of Nigeria’s leading private schools have reached unprecedented heights, with annual costs surpassing ₦4 million, and that’s before factoring in boarding, uniforms, and extracurricular expenses. From Lagos to Abuja and Abeokuta, these schools redefine what premium education looks like.

Below is an updated 2025 ranking of the most expensive secondary schools in Nigeria, based on current tuition estimates and verified public data.

1. Grange School, Lagos

Annual Fees: ₦4.5 million

Established in 1958, Grange School remains one of Lagos’s most reputable British curriculum schools. Known for its blend of Nigerian values and international standards, Grange offers small class sizes, modern science and technology labs, and outstanding academic records. With a near-100% success rate for university placements abroad, it continues to attract both Nigerian elites and expatriate families.

2. British International School, Lagos

Annual Fees: ₦4.48 million

Located in Victoria Island, the British International School is synonymous with prestige. Its globally accredited IB programs, Olympic-standard sports facilities, and arts-focused curriculum make it one of the most exclusive learning institutions in the country. The school also has a diverse student body and partnerships with universities across the UK and the U.S.

3. Lekki British International High School, Lagos

Annual Fees: ₦4 million

This luxurious institution in Lekki is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most polished schools. Its hybrid British-Nigerian curriculum emphasizes leadership, STEM, and innovation. Students enjoy advanced learning environments, boarding facilities, and exchange programs that expose them to international cultures early in life.

4. Day Waterman College, Abeokuta

Annual Fees: ₦3.7 million

Set on over 35 hectares of serene landscape in Ogun State, Day Waterman College offers a Cambridge-based education with a modern twist. Its robotics lab, equestrian club, and outdoor learning programs make it one of Nigeria’s most dynamic campuses. The emphasis on experiential learning and leadership development distinguishes it from traditional boarding schools.

5. Whiteplains British School, Abuja

Annual Fees: ₦3.6 million

Centrally located in Abuja, Whiteplains British School is known for combining academic excellence with luxury. From music academies to modern hostels, the school provides a full British educational experience that prepares students for Oxbridge and other top-tier institutions. Its performance in international exams like IGCSE remains one of the strongest in Northern Nigeria.

6. Greensprings School, Lagos (Lekki & Ikoyi Campuses)

Annual Fees: ₦3.185 million

Greensprings is one of Nigeria’s most recognized private schools, offering a well-rounded Cambridge education in a creative and eco-friendly setting. With emphasis on arts, global citizenship, and character building, it consistently produces confident, well-traveled graduates. The school’s international excursions and extracurricular depth make it a top pick among affluent families.

7. Meadow Hall, Lagos

Annual Fees: ₦3 million

Meadow Hall stands out for its combination of moral education and academic rigor. It follows the Cambridge curriculum while encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy. The school’s modern laboratories, theatre halls, and leadership programs make it a holistic environment for young achievers.

8. Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja

Annual Fees: ₦2.8 million

Loyola Jesuit College remains one of Nigeria’s most respected boarding schools, known for its emphasis on academic discipline, ethics, and community service. Modeled after the global Jesuit tradition, it has produced generations of leaders who have gone on to study at Ivy League and Russell Group universities. Its alumni network remains among the strongest in the country.

9. Hillcrest School, Jos

Annual Fees: ₦2.65 million

Set in the peaceful hills of Plateau State, Hillcrest School offers a calm and secure learning environment that promotes creativity and global awareness. Its strong British-style academic structure, coupled with outdoor learning and sports, attracts both locals and international students seeking a balanced education outside Nigeria’s major cities.

10. Corona Secondary School, Agbara

Annual Fees: ₦2.55 million

Part of the prestigious Corona Schools Trust Council, the Agbara branch is renowned for academic excellence and holistic development. With top-tier boarding facilities and an emphasis on leadership, sports, and technology, it continues to set the standard for 21st-century education in Nigeria.

Final Word

While these schools charge millions in tuition, parents argue the investment is justified by the academic exposure, global opportunities, and personal development their children receive. Beyond the fees, they represent a growing appetite for world-class education within Nigeria, a sign that premium learning doesn’t always require sending kids abroad.

For parents considering enrollment, it’s advisable to verify each school’s latest tuition and available scholarships as inflation and economic shifts continue to influence prices in 2025.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Top 15 Best Private Secondary Schools in Nigeria