Abuja, Dec. 1, 2025 — The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have resumed negotiations in Abuja, with officials tabling a proposal to raise lecturers’ salaries by 40 percent. The talks come just days after ASUU’s one‑month ultimatum to the government expired, heightening fears of a fresh strike across public universities.
Sources familiar with the discussions said the government’s negotiation team, led by Yayale Ahmed, presented the pay rise proposal during a meeting with ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC). The union’s branch chairpersons have been directed to brief members nationwide on the development, while further talks are scheduled for next week YNaija News Digest Nigeria GistReel.
The government’s offer is seen as an attempt to address long‑standing grievances over poor remuneration and working conditions in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. ASUU has consistently argued that inadequate pay contributes to brain drain, with many academics leaving for better opportunities abroad. The proposed increment, if accepted, would mark one of the most significant wage adjustments for lecturers in recent years.
Union insiders, however, cautioned that the 40 percent proposal may not fully resolve the broader issues at stake. ASUU has repeatedly demanded comprehensive reforms, including improved funding for universities, revitalization of infrastructure, and respect for collective bargaining agreements. A NEC member, speaking anonymously, noted that while the pay rise is welcome, “it must be accompanied by concrete commitments to address systemic challenges in the university system.”
The negotiations carry major implications for Nigeria’s education sector. A successful agreement could stabilize academic calendars, which have been repeatedly disrupted by strikes, and restore confidence among students and parents. Conversely, failure to reach consensus risks plunging universities into yet another cycle of industrial unrest, undermining Tinubu’s administration’s pledge to prioritize education under its Renewed Hope Agenda.
Observers say the talks also highlight the government’s delicate balancing act between fiscal constraints and the urgent need to invest in human capital. With Nigeria facing economic pressures, including high inflation and foreign exchange challenges, sustaining a 40 percent pay rise will require careful budgetary planning. Analysts warn that without structural reforms, salary increases alone may not deliver lasting improvements in the quality of higher education.
For now, both sides appear committed to dialogue. ASUU leaders are expected to reconvene with government negotiators next week after consulting their members. The outcome of these talks will determine whether Nigeria’s universities enjoy a period of stability or face renewed disruption in the months ahead.
Sources: YNaija YNaija, News Digest News Digest Nigeria, Gistreel GistReel, Louisa Olaniyi Blog louisaolaniyi.com.ng, Telegraph NG The Telegraph Nigeria
