The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have reportedly reached an agreement on a 40 percent salary increase for academic staff, alongside additional allowances, in a move expected to avert a nationwide strike. According to a document signed by ASUU President Professor Chris Piwuna, the union’s decision to accept the offer comes after years of stalled negotiations that left members’ earnings stagnant.
Sources familiar with the talks said that while full autonomy for universities remains a shared goal, the government has agreed to allocate 12 percent of each university’s appropriated academic salary budget to earned allowances. This ensures that universities receive additional funds specifically for these allowances through their annual budgets. The latest round of negotiations ran from November 24 to 25, following ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the government.
Piwuna explained that initial government proposals were deemed inadequate, but after persistent negotiations, a salary structure aligned with the Nimi Briggs Committee’s recommendations—some slightly higher, some slightly lower—was offered. “NEC concluded it was in our best interest to accept the proposal, as continued rejection would prolong stagnation of earnings over extended negotiations,” he stated.
The agreement also reaffirms university autonomy. Institutions will operate according to their enabling laws, statutes, and regulations while complying with national legal frameworks. Appointments of Governing Council members and Vice-Chancellors will remain merit-based, rejecting any requirement for candidates to be indigenes of host communities.
Sustainable funding was another key outcome, with both parties agreeing to sponsor bills and issue executive orders to ensure consistent financing for education. General public-sector salary increases will also reflect in academic staff remuneration, and no staff member will face victimisation for participating in the renegotiation process.
ASUU had threatened nationwide strike action over unresolved issues, including reviewing the 2009 ASUU-FG agreement, payment of outstanding salaries and earned allowances, and disbursement of the university revitalisation fund. Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, currently abroad, confirmed that the government has met the union’s demands and emphasized President Buhari’s directive to avoid strikes in public universities.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has pledged its support for ASUU and vowed to intervene should the government fail to uphold the agreement.