EFFECTS OF THE "NO WORK, NO PAY" POLICY ON SERVICE DELIVERY IN SELECTED PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA.

The “No Work, No Pay” policy will continue to shape labor relations within Nigeria’s public university system, particularly during industrial actions that disrupt academic activities. This paper will examine the anticipated and observable effects of the policy on service delivery in two selected public universities in Lagos State: University of Lagos (UNILAG), representing federal universities, and Lagos State University (LASU), representing state universities. Adopting a comparative case study design, the study will analyze survey data from academic and non-academic staff, conduct interviews with union representatives, and review institutional records covering strike periods between 2018 and 2024. The research will explore how enforcement of the policy influence teaching continuity, research productivity, administrative efficiency, and staff morale. It will compare how federal-level implementation in UNILAG will differ from state-level enforcement in LASU, particularly in terms of flexibility, negotiation mechanisms, and post-strike recovery processes. The study will argue that while the policy will be framed as a tool for fiscal accountability and strike deterrence, its rigid application may contribute to reduced motivation, academic calendar instability, and long-term service delivery challenges. The paper will further propose policy alternatives that will balance accountability with institutional sustainability, including phased enforcement mechanisms, structured dialogue frameworks, and improved funding transparency. By situating the analysis within broader debates on industrial relations and higher education governance in Nigeria, the study will contribute to scholarly and policy discussions on sustainable service delivery in public universities.