Other University Unions Watch as FG Proposes 40% Salary Increase for ASUU

Other University Unions Watch as FG Proposes 40% Salary Increase for ASUU

Other University unions are watching closely as the Federal Government has reportedly proposed a 40% salary increase for members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), a development that has prompted other university-based unions to closely monitor the negotiations as they unfold.

Government sources in Abuja confirmed that the offer forms part of renewed talks between the Federal Government and ASUU’s negotiation team, chaired by former Head of Service Yayale Ahmed. The union agreed to return to the table after resolutions reached at its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Sunday in Abuja.

Branch leaders who attended the NEC meeting are expected to brief their members nationwide on the government’s latest proposal.

A member of the NEC, who spoke under anonymity due to negotiation restrictions, said:

“The Federal Government has proposed a 40% salary increment. Branch leaders will return to update their members. For now, discussions will continue next week.”

ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government expired last Saturday, raising concerns about a possible strike. To avert the crisis, the government held an emergency meeting with ASUU leaders from Monday through Tuesday. Details of the talks remain confidential due to the rules guiding the negotiation process.

While ASUU insists that unresolved issues—including the review of the 2009 ASUU–FG agreement, the release of earned academic allowances, outstanding salary arrears, and disbursement of the university revitalisation fund—must be addressed, the government maintains that significant progress has been made.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, earlier stated that President Bola Tinubu had instructed that university activities must not be disrupted.

“We have addressed nearly all their concerns and negotiations are ongoing. The President insists students must remain in school,” he said.

Other University Unions React

Though not directly involved in the current negotiations, other unions in the university system—SSANU, NASU, and NAAT—have expressed concern over the direction of the talks and the potential implications on salary structures and equity across the system.

SSANU Reaction

A senior official of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), speaking informally about the development, said:

“We are watching the process very carefully. Any salary adjustment for one union affects the entire university system. Whatever is agreed with ASUU must not sideline the interests of other workers.”

NASU Reaction

A representative of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) added:

“Our members cannot be left behind. We will not accept a situation where only one segment of university workers receives upward review while others are ignored. Equity is important.”

NAAT Reaction

A member of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) also expressed concerns:

“Technologists play a critical role in teaching and research. Any salary negotiation that does not factor in all technical staff will create serious internal imbalance. We expect the government to adopt a holistic approach.”

NLC’s Position

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reiterated its support for ASUU while also signalling readiness to intervene if the Federal Government fails to honour its commitments.
The labour body stressed that stabilising the university system requires fair engagement with all unions, not just one.

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