The Academic Staff Union of Universities has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed 35 percent salary increase for university lecturers, describing the offer as inadequate and below expectations.
The decision was reached at an emergency National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja, where members reviewed the latest offer from the government. The Union said the proposal did not meet the long standing demands of academic workers in public universities.
ASUU President Chris Piwuna confirmed that the government’s negotiation team, led by Yayale Ahmed, presented the offer during a recent engagement aimed at resolving ongoing disputes between both parties. He explained that although the proposal represented a slight movement from the government’s earlier stance, the union considered it insufficient. According to him, “the Union rejected the 35 percent salary increment component of the draft agreement, because although it showed a shift from the government’s previous position, it fell short of expectations after about eight years of our face off with the government.”
The Union stressed that the salary offer was not the only concern, as several pressing issues remain unresolved. These include the final signing of the renegotiated 2009 FGN ASUU Agreement, release of withheld salaries for over three months, sustainable funding for public universities, revitalisation of infrastructure, outstanding salary arrears of 25 to 35 percent, and unpaid promotion arrears. ASUU also demanded the payment of withheld third party deductions owed to members across universities.
Despite rejecting the salary increase, ASUU said it acknowledges the recent efforts of government representatives to return to the negotiation table. The Union added that meaningful dialogue is the only way to prevent frequent industrial disruptions in the education sector. It said members would continue to push for a comprehensive and fair resolution that addresses both welfare and structural issues in the university system.
The ASUU President expressed gratitude to members of the National Assembly who have recently intervened in the dispute, particularly the Senate Committees on Tertiary Education and TETFund, and the Labour Committee. He urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the remaining issues are resolved in the interest of restoring full academic stability. Piwuna noted that lecturers are hopeful that promises made by the lawmakers will translate into concrete actions.
ASUU warned that patience among lecturers is wearing thin and that the Union will not hesitate to resume industrial action if the government fails to meet its demands within the expected timeline. It stated that the goal of the Union remains the proper funding of public universities and fair treatment of academic staff, which it believes are critical to ensuring quality education in Nigeria.
