The Academic Staff Union of Universities is preparing to accept the pay increase proposed by the Federal Government, according to a document signed by ASUU President Chris Piwuna and obtained on Monday in Abuja.
The government had earlier proposed a 40% salary increase during negotiations with the Yayale Ahmed-led committee. ASUU’s readiness to accept the offer comes after years of stalled negotiations and prolonged stagnation of lecturer earnings, coupled with the government’s firm refusal to shift ground.
Both parties have also agreed that the agreement will undergo a review every three years.
Sources at the meeting revealed that while both sides emphasised the importance of full university autonomy, the government agreed to allocate earned academic allowances equivalent to 12% of each university’s total academic staff salaries and wages. This means that every university will receive an additional 12% of its academic salary budget to settle earned allowances.
The negotiations, which began on November 24 and ended on November 25, form part of efforts to avert a nationwide strike after ASUU’s one-month ultimatum expired.
However, ASUU branches still need to brief their members before the union formally communicates its acceptance to the Federal Government.
Piwuna wrote in the document:
“Government made several offers which were considered grossly inadequate and rejected. After persistent pressure, a salary structure close to the Nimi Briggs recommendation was proposed. Some cadres received slightly higher figures than the Briggs document, others slightly lower. NEC considered the offer and resolved that it is in our best interest to accept it to avoid prolonged stagnation.”
On earned allowances, he added:
“It was agreed that the annual cost of implementing earned academic allowances shall be the equivalent of 12% of appropriated academic staff salaries and wages of each university. This should be provided through annual budgetary allocations.”
Regarding university autonomy:
“It was agreed that universities shall operate strictly under their enabling laws and statutes, following due process. Government and universities must comply with all extant regulations governing the system.”
On routine agreement reviews:
“A comprehensive agreement review shall be undertaken every three years.”
On sustainable funding:
“It was agreed that both FGN and ASUU would sponsor Bills introducing new tax models to secure long-term funding for education. Executive orders will also be issued to support this.”
The document also states that any future general salary increase for public servants must automatically apply to lecturers, and no academic should be victimised for their role in the negotiation process.
Read Also;
FG Proposes 40% Pay Rise as ASUU Returns to Negotiation Table
On appointments, both sides agreed that:
Governing Councils will continue to be appointed according to the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2003.
University laws remain supreme over inconsistent circulars.
Vice-Chancellors must be appointed based strictly on merit, not community or ethnic considerations.
ASUU had earlier threatened a nationwide strike over issues such as:
Failure to review the 2009 ASUU-FG agreement
Outstanding earned allowances
Unpaid salaries
Delay in the revitalisation fund for universities
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, recently insisted that the government had met “almost all” of ASUU’s demands and assured the President's commitment to preventing further strikes.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress has pledged to support ASUU if the government fails to honour the agreement.
