Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are pushing for improved offers as the Federal Government has reportedly proposed a 40% salary increase for university lecturers.
Although the proposal is yet to be officially confirmed, members of ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC), who met in Abuja on Sunday night with the Federal Government delegation, declined to comment, insisting they must first consult with their various branches.
ASUU leadership is expected to return to the negotiation table with the Federal Government team headed by Yayale Ahmed. The union’s position follows a consensus reached at the NEC meeting held in Abuja.
Branch leaders who attended the meeting are expected to brief their members nationwide on the latest development.
An ASUU NEC member, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on media engagement during negotiations, said the union would continue discussions with the government.
“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,” the source said.
ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government expired last Saturday, heightening tension within the academic community across Nigeria’s public universities.
