The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has softened its stance in the prolonged wage dispute with the Federal Government, agreeing to a 40 per cent salary increase — a development that may finally conclude months of drawn-out negotiations and avert fresh industrial action across public universities.
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ASUU had earlier rejected a 35 per cent pay rise, insisting the offer fell short of expectations. However, at the final negotiation session with the government panel chaired by Yayale Ahmed in Abuja, union representatives were informed that 40 per cent was the maximum offer the government could make, multiple sources confirmed.
Negotiations resumed on Monday, November 24, and concluded the following day as part of the government’s emergency efforts to prevent a nationwide strike after ASUU’s one-month ultimatum expired over the weekend.
Although the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) has approved the government’s terms, branch leaders are now required to brief their members before ASUU formally communicates its acceptance to the Federal Government.
A document signed by ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, and obtained in Abuja, indicates the union’s readiness to adopt the revised pay structure along with other negotiated improvements.
The comprehensive report, which reflects progress in the review of the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement, outlines landmark resolutions on funding, autonomy, governance, and staff welfare.
Across seven thematic areas — including non-salary conditions of service, salaries, implementation strategy, university governance, and earned academic allowances — both sides reached consensus on major institutional reforms.
On the contentious issue of university autonomy, both parties reaffirmed strict adherence to the legal framework guiding Senates, Governing Councils, and internal administrative structures, clarifying that no external circulars would override existing university laws.
The document also emphasised that appointments of vice-chancellors must be strictly merit-based, discarding proposals for host-community-based selections. Governing Councils will likewise require nominees with integrity and a proven understanding of academic culture.
Further agreements provide for the internal election of heads of departments and deans, alongside recruitment policies that promote both national and international inclusion.
Under the revised funding provisions, universities will adopt a needs-based budgeting model to address underfunded recurrent and capital requirements.
The Federal Government also pledged support for research initiatives through the National Research Council while encouraging corporate participation in academic research funding.
Additionally, universities will receive protection for their landed assets, while the government explores innovative tax-based revenue options to ensure sustainable educational financing.
Operational reforms include restricting pre-degree programmes to science and under-subscribed disciplines, safeguarding students’ constitutional rights, and abolishing the controversial pyramidal academic staff ranking system. Promotions will now depend on research productivity and performance rather than structural vacancies.
Universities have also been granted duty-free import privileges for educational and laboratory materials, journals, and sustainable energy resources.
The agreement outlines a three-year review cycle and provides for automatic salary adjustments for lecturers whenever public sector wages are evaluated nationwide.
Regarding earned academic allowances, both parties agreed to annual payments amounting to 12 per cent of each university’s academic wage bill, to be funded through yearly government appropriations. A non-victimisation clause was also included to protect individuals involved in the negotiations.
ASUU’s ultimatum, which elapsed last Saturday, had raised concerns of imminent industrial action following complaints that the government continued to delay the implementation of previous agreements, including commitments to revitalise public universities and clear outstanding allowances.
However, the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, maintains that the Federal Government has substantially met all of ASUU’s conditions.
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