The Federal Government has offered a fresh 40 percent salary increase to university lecturers in a last-minute effort to prevent a nationwide strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The proposal, which emerged after weeks of growing tension, is now being regarded as one of the strongest attempts by the government to stabilise the public university system and avert another round of academic disruption.
The offer was presented shortly after ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the government expired, a deadline that had sparked growing anxiety across campuses. Many students and parents feared a repeat of the prolonged shutdowns that have repeatedly derailed academic calendars in recent years. With pressure mounting, the government intensified negotiations, relying on a committee led by former Head of Service Yayale Ahmed to push discussions forward.
ASUU’s National Executive Council met in Abuja to receive details of the new proposal. At the end of the meeting, the union instructed its branches across the country to study the offer closely and return feedback before a collective decision is taken. Although the 40 percent increment is seen as a positive step, union leaders remain cautious. Their hesitancy stems from previous experiences in which government promises were only partially fulfilled or left to expire without action. The union’s rejection of an earlier 35 percent offer still hangs heavily over negotiations, as many members believe the fundamental issues affecting the university system extend far beyond salary adjustments.
For over a decade, ASUU has consistently drawn attention to deeper concerns within the education sector. These include the failure to fully implement the 2009 ASUU-FG agreement, unpaid earned academic allowances, unresolved salary arrears and the chronic underfunding of public universities. Lecturers say poor infrastructure, inadequate research support and deteriorating working conditions have weakened Nigerian universities and contributed to a growing exodus of experienced academics seeking better opportunities abroad. Many argue that without comprehensive reform, increased welfare and substantial investment, the academic sector will continue to decline regardless of salary increments.
The stakes are high for students. Any collapse in negotiations could lead to another suspension of academic activities, prolonging graduation timelines and disrupting exam schedules. A favourable outcome, however, could provide a welcome period of stability after years of interruptions. Improved lecturer welfare could also help reduce brain drain and create a more productive learning environment. For the government, a successful agreement would signal renewed commitment to rebuilding public education and restoring public confidence in its handling of national institutions.
Despite the optimism that the 40 percent offer brings, uncertainty still clouds the negotiations. ASUU has made it clear that genuine progress requires more than promises. The union wants evidence of firm commitment, backed by sustained funding and implementation that goes beyond announcements. Until these broader demands are met, lecturers fear that the underlying problems will persist while the sector continues to struggle.
The government and ASUU are expected to reconvene once branch consultations are completed. Their next meeting will determine whether universities continue with academic activities or brace for another nationwide shutdown. Both sides recognise the weight of this decision, knowing that millions of students, parents and educators are waiting on the outcome.
In the end, the proposed 40 percent salary increment represents more than a negotiation figure; it is a test of the government’s sincerity and ASUU’s resolve. Whether it marks a true turning point for the nation’s universities or becomes another stalled promise will depend on what happens in the coming days. For now, the entire education sector watches closely, hoping that this moment leads to long-lasting progress rather than another cycle of uncertainty.
