Amanze Chinonye
The Federal Government has opened fresh negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) after presenting a 40 per cent salary-increase offer to lecturers in a bid to halt a looming nationwide strike.
The proposal, tabled before ASUU’s leadership in Abuja, follows weeks of heightened tension after the union’s one-month ultimatum to the government expired last week.
The government’s team, led by former Head of Service Yayale Ahmed, met with ASUU executives in a closed-door session aimed at resetting stalled negotiations and calming agitation across public universities.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to updates communicated to various ASUU branches at the weekend, union leaders have been directed to brief members on the pay-rise proposal before forwarding their positions back to the National Executive Council (NEC). A final decision on whether to proceed with industrial action is expected after this round of consultations.
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ASUU, however, maintains that the crisis cannot be resolved through salary increments alone. The union insists on full implementation of the long-standing 2009 FG – ASUU agreement, payment of withheld salaries, outstanding earned academic allowances, revitalisation funds for universities, and resolution of delayed promotion arrears.
Union officials also faulted the government’s slow pace in addressing structural issues affecting the public university system. While acknowledging receipt of the new pay-rise proposal, ASUU leaders said its negotiation team would present the full details to branches before the NEC takes a position.
Recent efforts by the government were informed by fears of another prolonged shutdown of public universities. ASUU had earlier threatened to commence an indefinite strike from November 21 over what it described as “unmet and lingering demands” despite multiple engagement attempts with the Ministry of Education.
Government officials said the 40 per cent salary-increase offer demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to stabilising the tertiary education sector. But ASUU argues that previous promises of revitalisation funds and wage adjustments have either stalled or been inadequately implemented.
With consultations now ongoing, the coming days will be critical in determining whether universities remain open or slide into another round of industrial disruption.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
