—— Says branch leaders will go back and update members on the situation, negotiations continue with the government next week.

The Federal Government has proposed a 40 per cent salary increase for members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as both parties resume negotiations in Abuja, sources familiar with the discussions have confirmed.

The proposal comes as ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) concluded a crucial meeting in Abuja on Sunday, where the union resolved to return to talks with the government delegation led by former Head of Service, Yayale Ahmed. Branch leaders who attended the meeting are now expected to brief their members across the country on the new development.

A NEC member, who requested anonymity due to restrictions on media engagement during negotiations, disclosed that the 40 per cent increment was presented as part of the government’s effort to prevent an industrial crisis.

ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government expired last Saturday, raising tension within the academic community of public universities nationwide. To avert a looming strike, the government summoned ASUU leadership to an emergency meeting in Abuja on Monday, which extended into Tuesday.

With negotiations set to continue next week, stakeholders are watching closely to see whether the proposed pay rise will address ASUU’s long-standing concerns and prevent another disruption of academic activities in Nigerian universities.