ASUU’s leadership accepted the government’s invitation to resume talks. The union’s National Executive Council (NEC), meeting in Abuja, instructed branch leaders to relay the proposed raise to members, signalling a willingness to continue negotiations with the delegation led by former Head of Service Yayale Ahmed.
The negotiation package, however, goes beyond a simple pay rise. The FG had earlier released ₦2.3 billion for unpaid salaries and promotion arrears as a show of goodwill, and committed budgetary allocations for revitalisation of public universities. During earlier rounds of discussion, ASUU had also reported progress on issues such as back‑payment of third‑party deductions, promotion arrears, and the mainstreaming of earned academic allowances.
Still, ASUU’s leadership remains cautious. In November, the union warned the government that delays or incomplete fulfilment of earlier commitments could reignite unrest in the tertiary‑education sector.
The broader context shows that this standoff is part of a long‑running crisis. ASUU’s demands include renegotiation of the 2009 FG–ASUU agreement, resolution of long‑standing arrears (salary, allowances, promotions), restoration of third‑party deductions, and sustained revitalisation of public universities. The union had earlier declared a warning strike beginning in October 2025 when a 14‑day ultimatum given to the government expired without satisfactory action.
The government, under the leadership of the Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, has repeatedly reassured stakeholders that the ongoing negotiations are genuine and that efforts are underway to resolve all outstanding issues via its newly formed expanded negotiating committee.
For many, the 40 percent pay‑rise proposal represents a significant step, potentially easing financial pressure on lecturers and signalling serious intent by the government. But ASUU has made clear that any agreement must go beyond superficial gestures: long‑overdue allowances, working conditions, and structural reforms remain central to the union’s demands.
As both sides return to the negotiation table this week, the future of public‑university education in Nigeria hinges on whether the FG’s offer can satisfy ASUU’s multifaceted demands and whether long‑standing trust deficits can be overcome.
