The Federal Government has reportedly offered a 40 per cent salary increase to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), according to sources with knowledge of the ongoing discussions in Abuja.
The proposal comes as ASUU prepares to resume negotiations with the government’s team led by Yayale Ahmed. The decision to return to the negotiation table followed a consensus reached during the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Sunday.
Branch leaders who participated in the meeting are expected to brief their members across various universities on the latest development.
A NEC member, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on public commentary during negotiations, confirmed that the union would continue its discussions with the Federal Government as both sides work toward resolving long-standing issues affecting the university system.
“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 said
Tension has continued to rise across public universities following the expiration of ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government last Saturday.
In an effort to prevent a nationwide shutdown of academic activities, the Federal Government invited ASUU leadership to a meeting in Abuja on Monday, which extended into Tuesday. However, both sides have kept the outcome confidential due to strict rules guiding the negotiation process.
ASUU had earlier threatened to embark on a full-scale strike, accusing the government of showing little commitment to addressing long-standing issues. Central to the dispute are the review of the 2009 ASUU–Federal Government agreement, payment of outstanding salaries and earned academic allowances, and the release of the university revitalisation fund.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, currently out of the country, maintains that the government has fulfilled the union’s demands. Speaking to State House correspondents two weeks ago, he reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s directive that public universities must remain open, stressing that ongoing dialogue is aimed at ensuring students are not forced out of school.
“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,” the minister said.