The Federal Government has reportedly offered a 40 per cent salary increase to lecturers under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), according to reliable sources in Abuja.
Newsonspot reports that this new proposal comes as ASUU prepares to resume negotiations with the government team led by Yayale Ahmed. The union’s decision to return to the table followed a consensus reached during its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Sunday.
Branch chairpersons who attended the NEC meeting are expected to brief their members across the country on the latest development.
A member of the NEC, who spoke anonymously due to restrictions on media comments during negotiations, confirmed that discussions with the government are ongoing.
“They offered a 40% salary raise. Branch leaders will brief members, and negotiations will continue next week,” the source said.
ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government expired last Saturday, raising concerns across public universities about a possible strike.
In a last-minute attempt to prevent industrial action, the government summoned ASUU leaders to a meeting in Abuja from Monday to Tuesday. Both parties kept details of the discussion confidential due to the sensitive nature of the negotiation process.
ASUU had earlier threatened a full strike, accusing the government of showing little commitment to its demands.
These demands include:
Review of the 2009 ASUU-FG agreement
Payment of outstanding salaries and earned allowances
Release of funds for university revitalisation
Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa, who is currently outside the country, recently insisted that the government had addressed most of the union’s concerns. He reminded journalists two weeks ago that President Bola Tinubu had directed that no strike should happen in public universities.
“The President has mandated us to ensure ASUU doesn’t go on strike. We’ve met almost all their demands and we’re back at the negotiation table. We will resolve this,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared its support for ASUU, saying it will stand with the union if the government fails to meet its commitments.
