The Federal Government has reportedly put forward a new offer of a 40% salary increase to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), according to insiders familiar with the current negotiations in Abuja.
This development comes as ASUU prepares to resume talks with the government’s delegation led by Yayale Ahmed. The union agreed to return to the negotiation table after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Sunday in Abuja.
Branch chairpersons who attended the NEC meeting are expected to brief their members across campuses on the new proposal and the next steps.
A member of the NEC, who asked not to be named because they are not authorised to speak publicly during negotiations, confirmed that discussions with the government are ongoing in a bid to resolve the long-standing issues troubling 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 remained high in public universities after ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government expired last Saturday. In a bid to prevent a nationwide strike, the government invited ASUU executives to a meeting in Abuja on Monday, which extended into Tuesday. However, both parties have kept details sealed due to the rules governing the negotiation process.
ASUU has previously warned of a full-blown strike, accusing the government of failing to address critical issues. Key demands include the review of the 2009 ASUU FG agreement, payment of outstanding salaries and earned academic allowances, and the release of funds for university revitalisation.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa who is currently outside the country has maintained that the government has met the union’s demands. Speaking to State House correspondents earlier, he insisted that President Bola Tinubu has directed that public universities must remain open, emphasising ongoing efforts to prevent disruptions.
“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.