ASUU renegotiation enters crucial stage as NEC meets Wednesday to decide next steps after government talks aimed at averting a fresh strike
According to senior union sources on Tuesday, the ongoing ASUU renegotiation process has reached a critical point as the Academic Staff Union of Universities prepares for a decisive National Executive Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday.
Also read: ASUU Bauchi strike threatens six universities
The government’s renegotiation team, led by the Yayale Ahmed committee, reconvened discussions with ASUU on Monday in a last-minute push to prevent a fresh nationwide strike in public universities.
The talks, which resumed yesterday, are expected to wrap up today.
A senior NEC member, who requested anonymity due to restrictions on media engagement, confirmed that the union would determine its next steps immediately after the conclusion of negotiations.
The official noted that the outcome of Wednesday’s meeting would clarify whether industrial action remains unavoidable.
ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government expired on Saturday, stoking concern across campuses already unsettled by months of unresolved issues.
The union has repeatedly accused the government of a nonchalant approach to key demands, including the review of the 2009 FG–ASUU agreement, payment of outstanding salaries and earned allowances, and the release of revitalisation funds for public universities.
Despite this, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, insists that the government has substantially met the union’s requests.
Speaking earlier at the State House, Alausa reiterated that President Bola Tinubu had directed officials to ensure that no strike disrupts the academic calendar.
He maintained that negotiations were progressing and expressed confidence in a favourable resolution.
He stated that the government had fulfilled almost all requirements and remained committed to resolving the outstanding issues swiftly, describing the ongoing engagement as both constructive and necessary.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress has thrown its weight behind ASUU, warning that it will stand firmly with the academic community should the Federal Government fail to act responsibly.
The NLC stressed that the concerns raised by the union are legitimate and deserve urgent attention to prevent yet another disruption to academic activities.
Also read: ASUU issues fresh ultimatum as tensions rise with FG
As the ASUU renegotiation process edges toward a decisive conclusion, students, parents and university workers are anxiously awaiting Wednesday’s verdict, hopeful that a powerfully constructive outcome will avert another crippling strike.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
