The federal government has reportedly proposed a 40 per cent salary increase for lecturers under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The offer comes as ASUU leadership prepares to resume negotiations with the government team led by former head of service, Yayale Ahmed.
ASUU reached a consensus at its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Sunday, November 30, and branch leaders have been instructed to brief members nationwide on the latest development.
Speaking after the NEC meeting, a member who requested anonymity due to restrictions on public statements during negotiations confirmed that discussions would continue next week.
The source said, “They have proposed a 40% salary increment.
“Branch leaders will brief members accordingly.
“For now, negotiations with the government will resume next week.”
ASUU’s one month ultimatum to the federal government elapsed on November 29, heightening anxiety across public universities.
In a last minute effort to prevent a strike, the government invited ASUU’s leadership to a meeting in Abuja on Monday, which extended into Tuesday.
Both sides, however, kept the details confidential in line with the negotiation rules.
ASUU has threatened a full strike over what it describes as the government’s nonchalant attitude toward its demands, which include the review of the 2009 ASUU-FG agreement, payment of outstanding salaries and earned allowances, and release of the university revitalisation fund.
The minister of education, Tunji Alausa currently out of the country maintains that the government has addressed the union’s concerns.
Speaking at the State House two weeks ago, Alausa reiterated president Bola Tinubu’s directive that public universities must remain open.
Alausa said, “The president has mandated that he doesn’t want ASUU to go on strike, and we are doing everything possible to ensure students stay in school.
“The last six-day strike was unnecessary.
“We have met nearly all their demands and returned to the negotiation table. This will be resolved.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared its support for ASUU, warning that it will intervene if the federal government fails to honour its commitments.
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