The Federal Government has reportedly proposed a 40 per cent salary increase for members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities b, according to reliable sources familiar with the ongoing discussions in Abuja. The proposal aims to address long-standing grievances raised by the union and avert a potential nationwide strike that could disrupt academic activities across public universities.
The development follows ASUU’s decision to return to the negotiation table with the government team led by Yayale Ahmed, after a consensus was reached during the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja over the weekend. The NEC had deliberated extensively on the state of negotiations, the challenges facing the university system, and the need to prevent further disruption to students’ academic calendar.
Branch leaders who attended the NEC meeting are expected to return to their respective universities to brief members on the latest proposal and the status of discussions with the Federal Government. A NEC member, who requested anonymity due to restrictions on public commentary during ongoing negotiations, confirmed that talks would continue as both parties work toward a mutually acceptable resolution to lingering issues affecting the university system.
“The government has made a proposal for a 40% salary increment. Branch leaders will update their members, and as it stands, negotiations will continue with the government next week,” the source disclosed, highlighting that both sides are cautiously optimistic about reaching an agreement without resorting to industrial action.
Tensions have been mounting in public universities following the expiration of ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government, which ended last Saturday. The union had warned of a full-scale strike if their demands were not addressed, citing delays in the review of the 2009 ASUU–Federal Government agreement, non-payment of outstanding salaries and earned academic allowances, and the release of funds earmarked for the revitalisation of public universities.
In a bid to forestall a strike, the Federal Government invited ASUU leadership to meetings in Abuja on Monday, which extended into Tuesday. However, the details of the discussions have remained confidential due to strict rules governing negotiation protocols, with both parties agreeing to maintain discretion until an agreement is reached.
ASUU had previously accused the government of showing limited commitment to resolving long-standing challenges in the public university system. The union’s key demands include adjustments to salaries, the payment of earned allowances, and funding for infrastructure and academic resources that have long been pending. Failure to resolve these matters, ASUU argued, could severely impact students’ academic progress and the quality of education in public institutions.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, currently outside the country, reiterated that the government has made substantial progress in meeting the union’s requirements. Speaking to State House correspondents two weeks ago, he reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s directive that public universities must remain open, emphasizing that ongoing dialogue with ASUU is aimed at ensuring students continue their education without interruption.
“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 unnecessary. We have met virtually all their requirements and are back at the negotiation table. We will resolve this issue amicably,” the minister said, underscoring the government’s commitment to sustaining academic activities and addressing the union’s concerns while protecting students’ interests.