The long-running standoff between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) appears to be nearing resolution, as the union’s National Executive Council has tentatively agreed to accept a new salary offer proposed by the government.
A document signed by ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, and circulated among union branches on Monday in Abuja, indicates that the lecturers may approve a 40 per cent upward review of pay after months of tense negotiation.
The proposed increase was presented by the government during sessions chaired by the Yayale Ahmed-led committee.
According to insiders, ASUU’s acceptance is tied to concerns that further delays in reaching a deal would prolong years of stagnant earnings for university academics.
Earned Allowances Pegged at 12%
A major highlight of the negotiation is a fresh formula for earned academic allowances.
Both sides agreed that universities will receive an additional 12 per cent of their annual academic salary budget for earned allowances—a model already adopted by some state-owned institutions.
The arrangement means universities will add the 12 per cent allocation to wages and salaries already captured in their yearly budgets, dedicating the funds strictly to earned academic allowances.
Autonomy and Governance Issues Addressed
The negotiation document also captures renewed commitments to university autonomy.
It states that institutions must operate strictly under their enabling laws, statutes, and due process, while government circulars contradicting university laws will no longer be enforced.
Regarding university leadership appointments, the parties resolved that the selection of Vice-Chancellors must remain merit-based.
They also condemned pressures to impose candidates based on indigene considerations, saying such practices undermine university standards.
Three-Year Review Cycle, New Funding Plans
Both sides agreed on a mandatory three-year review cycle for future agreements.
In addition, ASUU and the Federal Government will jointly sponsor bills proposing new education-focused taxes to guarantee long-term funding for universities.
The government is also expected to issue executive orders to support this initiative.
The document further assures that academic salaries will automatically be adjusted whenever there is a general increase in public-sector wages.
It also includes a clause protecting all individuals involved in the negotiation process from victimisation.
Strike Threat Still Looms
ASUU’s month-long ultimatum to the Federal Government expired last week, heightening apprehension in public universities.
The union previously threatened a nationwide strike over the non-implementation of key demands, including unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and the release of university revitalisation funds.
Although the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa—currently overseas—has insisted that the government has addressed all critical issues, ASUU leaders have yet to issue an official final statement.
Branch executives are now expected to brief their members before communicating the union’s final decision to the government.
NLC Signals Support
The Nigeria Labour Congress has declared readiness to intervene should the government fail to fulfill the emerging agreement.
The NLC has maintained that lecturers’ grievances reflect broader concerns about the state of public education in the country.
With negotiations concluded on November 25, both parties are now edging closer to signing a new agreement that may avert another disruptive industrial action—pending the union’s final endorsement.