The Federal Government has reportedly offered a 40 per cent salary increase to lecturers under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), sources familiar with the matter told our correspondent in Abuja.
The development comes as ASUU leadership prepares to resume talks with the Federal Government team led by Yayale Ahmed, following a consensus reached at the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Sunday. Branch leaders are expected to brief members nationwide on the update.
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on media engagement during negotiations said, “They made a proposal of a 40% salary increment. Branch leaders will update members on the situation. Negotiations with the government continue next week.”
ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the government ended last Saturday, raising tensions across Nigerian public universities. In a bid to prevent a strike, the government summoned union leaders for talks in Abuja on Monday, which continued into Tuesday. Both sides declined to disclose details, citing negotiation protocols.
The union had threatened industrial action over unresolved issues, including the review of the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government agreement, unpaid salaries and allowances, and the disbursement of the University Revitalisation Fund.
Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, currently abroad, stated that the government has met the union’s demands. Speaking to State House correspondents two weeks ago, he reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s directive to prevent a strike, stressing that negotiations are ongoing to keep students in school. “The President has mandated that ASUU should not go on strike. We have met all their requirements and returned to the negotiation table. We will resolve this,” Alausa said.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has voiced support for ASUU, pledging to advocate for the academic community if the government fails to meet its demands.
