The Federal Government has introduced a new offer aimed at calming the rising tension in public universities, proposing a 40 per cent salary increase for lecturers under ASUU. The proposal was disclosed during ongoing consultations in Abuja ahead of fresh negotiations with the government team led by Yayale Ahmed.
ASUU agreed to resume talks after its National Executive Council met in Abuja on Sunday, where branch leaders were instructed to return to their campuses with updates before discussions continue next week.
At the meeting, one participant explained that the government “made a proposal of a 40% salary increment. Branch leaders will go back and update members on the situation. As it stands, negotiations continue with the government next week.”
The union’s one-month ultimatum expired last Saturday, creating concern across public universities as workers anticipated another nationwide shutdown. In a bid to avoid a strike, the government summoned ASUU to a meeting that lasted from Monday into Tuesday, though both sides have kept the details sealed due to strict negotiation rules.
ASUU maintains that a strike is still possible, accusing the government of failing to address unresolved issues such as the 2009 agreement review, outstanding salaries, earned allowances, and the long-delayed revitalisation fund for universities.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, who is currently out of the country, insists the administration has fulfilled the union’s demands. During a recent briefing at the Presidential Villa, he stated, “the President has mandated us that he doesn’t want ASUU to go on strike, and we’re doing everything humanly possible to ensure that our students stay in school. The last strike they went on for about six days was not really needed. We’ve met literally all their requirements and are back at the negotiation table. We will resolve this.”
The Nigeria Labour Congress has thrown its weight behind ASUU and has pledged to intervene if the government fails to meet the lecturers’ expectations.