Nigeria Federal Government has stepped up efforts to stop another shutdown of public universities, as officials have now tabled a fresh offer of a 40 per cent salary increase for lecturers under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
This development, confirmed by senior union insiders in Abuja, comes just days after ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the government expired, raising tension across campuses and among students.
The new proposal is expected to form the centre of discussions when ASUU leaders meet again with the Federal Government’s negotiation panel, chaired by former Head of Service, Yayale Ahmed.
ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) met in Abuja on Sunday, where branch leaders from different campuses reviewed the government’s latest position and agreed to return to their branches to brief members.
One participant at the closed-door meeting, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the negotiation, confirmed that talks would continue next week.
According to the union member,
“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.”
ASUU has repeatedly faulted the government’s slow response to its long-standing demands, warning that the Federal Government’s “nonchalant” attitude could trigger a full industrial action if nothing changes soon.