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 percent 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.

Background of Tensions

ASUU has, for months, pushed for the full implementation of the 2009 ASUU–FG agreement, the release of earned academic allowances, payment of outstanding salary arrears, and the long-delayed university revitalisation funds.

The standoff intensified last week, prompting the Federal Government to summon ASUU leadership to an urgent meeting in Abuja.

The engagement stretched into Tuesday, but both sides avoided briefing the press, citing strict negotiation rules.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, speaking earlier during a State House briefing, maintained that the Federal Government had gone a long way in meeting ASUU’s key demands.

He also restated President Bola Tinubu’s instruction that public universities must not be allowed to slip into another round of closure.

Alausa insisted the administration is committed to stabilising the academic calendar, saying the short strike recently embarked upon by ASUU should not have happened in the first place.

Labour Backs ASUU

In a separate move, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its weight behind ASUU, warning that the Federal Government must honour its promises to university workers.

The NLC said it would not hesitate to intervene fully if the government fails to act promptly.

The latest government proposal is now seen as one of the strongest attempts yet to de-escalate the crisis and keep students on campus as negotiations resume.

Recall that, media earlier reported rising concerns within the academic sector after ASUU issued its one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning that unresolved issues could push the university system back into another prolonged shutdown.