iDeemlawfulThe Federal Government has reportedly offered a 40 per cent salary increase to lecturers under the Academic Staff Union of Universities, according to sources with knowledge of the discussions who spoke with our correspondent in Abuja.
The offer comes as the ASUU leadership prepares to resume negotiations with the Federal Government team, led by Yayale Ahmed.
The union’s decision follows a collective position adopted during its National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja on Sunday.
Branch leaders who were present at the meeting are expected to brief their members across the country on the development.
Speaking after the NEC meeting, a member who requested anonymity due to restrictions on media communication during negotiations, confirmed that talks with the government would 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.
ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government expired last Saturday, increasing tension within the academic environment of Nigeria’s public universities.
In a last-minute effort to prevent a looming strike, the government summoned ASUU leaders to a meeting in Abuja on Monday, which extended into Tuesday.
Neither side disclosed details of the deliberations, as the negotiation process is bound by strict confidentiality rules.
The union had warned of a possible full strike, citing the government’s “nonchalant” disposition toward its demands.
The crucial issues include the review of the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government agreement, outstanding salary payments and earned allowances, and the release of the university revitalisation fund.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who is currently abroad, maintained that the government had addressed the union’s concerns.
Speaking to State House correspondents two weeks ago, Alausa reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s directive that public universities must not shut down, stressing that negotiations were ongoing to ensure academic stability.
“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 they went on for 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,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress, the central body for labour unions in the country, has pledged support for ASUU and stated it would defend the academic union if the government fails to meet its demands.
