By Hobnob News Desk
In a significant move to avert a looming strike action, the Federal Government has reportedly proposed a 40 per cent salary increase for university lecturers under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Sources privy to the ongoing discussions disclosed this development to Hobnob News in Abuja, noting that the proposal is a central talking point as the ASUU leadership prepares to resume talks with the government delegation led by Yayale Ahmed.
The Breakdown: Negotiations Continue
The decision to continue negotiations follows a consensus reached during the ASUU National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Sunday. Following this meeting, branch leaders have been tasked with communicating the new proposal to members across the country.
Speaking to Hobnob News at the conclusion of the NEC meeting, a high-ranking union member—who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks—confirmed the salary offer but noted that final agreements have not yet been signed.
“They 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 source confirmed.
Tension and Ultimatums
The backdrop to this latest offer is fraught with tension. ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government expired last Saturday, heightening fears within the academic community of a potential shutdown of public universities.
In a last-ditch effort to prevent industrial action, the government summoned ASUU leadership to a marathon meeting in Abuja that spanned Monday and Tuesday. While both parties initially kept the details of that meeting under wraps due to strict negotiation protocols, the threat of a full-scale strike remains regarding the government’s alleged “nonchalant” attitude toward previous agreements.
Key ASUU Demands Include:
A comprehensive review of the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government agreement.
Payment of outstanding salaries and earned academic allowances.
The release of the university revitalisation fund.
Government Insists Demands Are Met
Despite the tension, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, maintains that the administration is committed to resolving the impasse. Although currently out of the country, Dr. Alausa reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s firm directive to prevent any disruption to the academic calendar.
Speaking to State House correspondents recently, Alausa emphasized the administration’s resolve:
“As I told you, 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.”
Labour Union Solidarity
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the umbrella body for labour unions nationwide, has thrown its weight behind ASUU. The NLC has vowed to advocate fiercely for the academic community should the government fail to honor its commitments and meet the lecturers’ demands.
Hobnob News will continue to monitor these negotiations and provide updates as they unfold next week.
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