FG, ASUU Resume Negotiations as Government Proposes 40% Salary Increase

By: Ojay Matthew


The Federal Government has reportedly offered a 40 per cent wage increase to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), sources close to the negotiations confirmed to our correspondent in Abuja.

The proposal comes as ASUU leadership prepares to re-engage with the government’s negotiating team led by Yayale Ahmed. The decision to return to the dialogue table was reached during the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Sunday.

Branch chairpersons who participated in the meeting are expected to brief their members across various campuses on the new development.

A NEC member, who requested anonymity due to restrictions on public commentary during negotiations, said talks with the government would continue.

“The government has proposed a 40% salary adjustment. Branch leaders will now return to brief members. Negotiations will resume next week,” the source disclosed.

ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government expired last Saturday, raising fears of a possible nationwide strike in public universities.

In an attempt to prevent another shutdown of academic activities, the government summoned ASUU executives to a meeting in Abuja on Monday, which extended into Tuesday. Both sides have kept details of the discussions confidential due to negotiation protocols.

ASUU had earlier warned of a full-blown strike, accusing the government of failing to address long-standing concerns. The union’s demands include the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FG agreement, settlement of outstanding salaries and earned academic allowances, and release of funds for the revitalisation of public universities.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa—who is currently out of the country—had earlier maintained that the government had honoured most of ASUU’s requests. Speaking at the State House two weeks ago, Alausa stressed that President Bola Tinubu had directed that academic activities must not be disrupted.

“The President has instructed that he does not want ASUU to embark on any strike, and we are doing everything we can to ensure students remain in school. The last six-day strike was avoidable. We’ve met almost all their demands and have returned to the negotiation table. We will resolve this,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed solidarity with ASUU, pledging to intervene if the government fails to address the concerns raised by the union.