Government proposes a 40% pay rise in ASUU salary talks as both sides resume crucial negotiations to avert a looming strike
The Federal Government has proposed a 40 per cent pay rise for lecturers under the Academic Staff Union of Universities as both sides prepare to resume ASUU salary talks led by government negotiator Yayale Ahmed.
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The proposal emerged after the union concluded its National Executive Council meeting in Abuja on Sunday, where branch leaders agreed to relay the development to members across the country.
A senior union member, who requested anonymity due to restrictions on media engagement, said discussions would continue next week.
The development follows the expiration of ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government on Saturday, a deadline that heightened concerns within the public university system.
In a last-minute attempt to prevent a full strike, the Government summoned ASUU officials to emergency meetings in Abuja from Monday through Tuesday.
Neither side made those deliberations public, citing strict rules governing the negotiation process.
ASUU has long criticised what it describes as the Government’s nonchalant stance on key issues, including the stalled review of the 2009 agreement, unpaid salaries and earned allowances, and the release of revitalisation funds.
Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa, currently abroad, has insisted that the Government has substantially met the union’s requests.
Speaking earlier to State House correspondents, Dr Alausa reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s directive that public universities must remain open, describing the Government’s efforts to avoid further disruption as a vital national priority.
The Education Minister said the administration was committed to reaching a resolution, stressing that the last six-day stoppage by the union was avoidable and expressing confidence that continued dialogue would deliver a durable outcome.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress has pledged support for ASUU and warned that it will intervene robustly if the Government fails to honour its commitments, a stance expected to add pressure as negotiations progress.
The next round of talks, described by one official as crucial, is likely to determine whether the academic calendar stabilises or faces renewed uncertainty.
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Union representatives said the 40 per cent proposal will be scrutinised closely, but noted that the combined pressures of funding, welfare and past grievances remain formidable challenges.
