The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has agreed to a 40 per cent salary increase offered by the Federal Government, signalling an end to months of tense negotiations and easing fears of an imminent nationwide strike.
ASUU had previously rejected a 35 per cent increment, insisting it did not meet expectations. However, during a final negotiation session chaired by Yayale Ahmed in Abuja, government representatives stated that 40 per cent was the maximum feasible offer. Multiple sources confirm that the union has accepted this position.
Talks resumed on November 24 and concluded the following day as part of the government’s urgent efforts to prevent industrial action after ASUU’s one-month ultimatum expired.
A document signed by ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, indicates the union’s readiness to adopt the revised pay structure alongside several improvements captured in the ongoing review of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement. The agreement records major progress across seven thematic areas, including funding, university autonomy, governance, non-salary welfare provisions, and earned academic allowances.
Both parties reaffirmed strict adherence to existing laws governing university senates, governing councils, and internal administrative structures. The appointment of vice-chancellors will remain merit-based, while governing council members must demonstrate integrity and a clear understanding of academic culture. Heads of departments and deans are to be elected internally, with recruitment policies encouraging both national and international inclusion.
In terms of funding, universities will adopt a needs-based budgeting model to address recurrent and capital deficiencies. The Federal Government also committed to supporting research through the National Research Council and promoting corporate participation in research funding. Universities will receive protection for their landed assets and enjoy duty-free import privileges for educational and laboratory materials.
The agreement further abolishes the controversial pyramidal ranking system, tying promotions more closely to research productivity. Universities are to limit pre-degree programmes to science and under-subscribed disciplines.
On earned academic allowances, both sides agreed to annual payments equivalent to 12 per cent of each university’s academic wage bill, funded through yearly government appropriations. A non-victimisation clause was also included to protect all parties involved in the negotiations.
The agreement includes a three-year review cycle and provides for automatic salary adjustments whenever public sector wages are reviewed nationwide.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, said the government has substantially met ASUU’s conditions. With the union stepping back from confrontation, the higher education sector appears set for a period of stability pending final ratification by individual ASUU branches.
