Nigeria’s long-running standoff between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has taken a new turn, with insiders confirming that Abuja has proposed a 40% salary increase for lecturers.
The offer comes as ASUU prepares to resume talks with the government’s negotiation team led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed.
The union’s decision to return to the table followed resolutions at its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Sunday.
Branch chairpersons who attended the session are expected to brief members across campuses on the latest developments.
A NEC member, speaking anonymously due to restrictions on public commentary, said discussions would continue next week.
“They have proposed a 40% salary increment. Branch leaders will now return to update their members. For now, negotiations will continue with the government next week,” the source disclosed.
The proposal comes against the backdrop of mounting tension in public universities after ASUU’s one‑month ultimatum to the Federal Government expired last Saturday.
To avert a nationwide shutdown of academic activities, the government convened a meeting with ASUU leadership in Abuja on Monday, which extended into Tuesday. Both sides have kept the outcome under wraps, citing confidentiality rules guiding the talks.
ASUU has repeatedly threatened a full‑blown strike, accusing the government of failing to address long‑standing demands.
These include the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–ASUU agreement, payment of outstanding salaries and earned academic allowances, and release of the long‑promised university revitalisation fund.
Government’s Position
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, currently outside the country, insists the government has already met most of the union’s demands.
Two weeks ago, he told State House correspondents that President Bola Tinubu had directed that universities must remain open, stressing that dialogue was aimed at preventing disruption.
“The President has mandated that he doesn’t want ASUU to go on strike, and we are doing everything possible to ensure students remain in school. Their last six‑day strike was unnecessary. We have met almost all their demands and are back at the negotiation table. We will resolve this,” Alausa said.
ASUU’s disputes with successive governments have spanned decades, with strikes often paralysing Nigeria’s university system.
The 2009 agreement, which remains central to current negotiations, promised improved funding, better working conditions, and enhanced salaries for lecturers. However, implementation has been inconsistent, fueling repeated industrial actions.
The latest proposal of a 40% pay rise is seen as an attempt to ease tensions and prevent another prolonged shutdown.
Yet, with lecturers demanding concrete action on allowances and revitalization funds, the coming weeks will determine whether the offer is enough to forestall another strike.
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