Sources indicate the Federal Government has proposed a 40% salary hike for university lecturers. This offer targets members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
This proposal emerges as ASUU prepares to resume discussions. The government’s team, led by Yayale Ahmed, will participate. The union’s National Executive Council (NEC) met in Abuja on Sunday. They reached an agreement to restart negotiations.
Branch leaders attended the meeting. They will now inform their members at different universities about these updates.
A NEC member spoke anonymously. Public commentary is restricted during talks. This source confirmed the union will continue discussions with the Federal Government. Both sides aim to resolve persistent university system issues.
The source stated, “A 40% salary increase was proposed.” They added, “Branch leaders will inform members. Negotiations with the government will resume next week.”
Addressing the Impending Strike
Public universities face rising tension. This follows ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government. The deadline expired last Saturday.
The Federal Government sought to prevent a national academic shutdown. They invited ASUU leaders to Abuja. Meetings occurred Monday and Tuesday. The results remain undisclosed. Strict rules govern these negotiation processes.
ASUU previously threatened a full strike. The union accused the government of insufficient commitment. They sought solutions for persistent concerns. Key dispute points include the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government agreement review. Outstanding salaries and academic allowances are also crucial. The release of university revitalisation funds is another major demand.
Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, is currently abroad. He asserts that the government has met ASUU’s demands. Two weeks prior, he spoke to State House correspondents. He reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s directive: public universities must stay open. Dialogue ensures students remain in school.
The minister quoted President Tinubu: “He does not want ASUU to strike.” He added, “We are doing our best to keep students in school.” He further noted, “Their recent six-day strike was unnecessary.” The minister concluded, “We have met almost all their demands. We are back negotiating. We will resolve this.”
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