The Federal Government has reportedly proposed a 40 per cent salary increase for lecturers under the Academic Staff Union of Universities, according to authoritative sources who spoke with our correspondent in Abuja.
The offer, described within government circles as the ASUU 40% salary increase, comes as the union prepares to resume negotiations with the Federal Government delegation led by Yayale Ahmed.
ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) reached a consensus during its meeting held on Sunday in Abuja, paving the way for fresh discussions.
Branch leaders who participated in the NEC session are expected to brief their members nationwide on the latest developments.
Speaking after the meeting, a senior union member, who requested anonymity due to restrictions on media engagements during negotiations, confirmed that dialogue with the government will continue.
“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.
The union’s one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government expired last Saturday, heightening uncertainty within public universities.
In a last-minute effort to avert a shutdown of academic activities, the government summoned ASUU leaders to a meeting in Abuja that stretched from Monday into Tuesday. Both parties have maintained strict confidentiality in line with negotiation protocols.
ASUU had earlier threatened a nationwide strike over what it described as the government’s “nonchalant” attitude toward fulfilling previous agreements.
Key outstanding issues include a review of the 2009 ASUU–FG agreement, payment of owed salaries and earned allowances, and the release of the university revitalisation fund.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, currently out of the countr, recently insisted that government has met most of ASUU’s demands.
“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 of 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,” he told State House correspondents two weeks ago.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress has thrown its weight behind ASUU, warning that it will mobilise support for the academic union should government fail to honour its commitments.
Labour sources say the ASUU 40% salary increase proposal will be closely monitored as negotiations progress.