The National Executive Council of the Academic Staff Union of Universities will on Wednesday decide whether or not to embark on a nationwide strike, following the conclusion of fresh renegotiation talks with the Federal Government’s Yayale Ahmed-led committee.
In a last-minute bid to avert another shutdown of public universities, the government reconvened its renegotiation meeting with ASUU on Monday. The talks, which resumed yesterday, are expected to formally wrap up today (Tuesday).
A senior NEC member, who spoke anonymously due to restrictions placed on public comments during the negotiation process, confirmed the development.
“The renegotiation meeting started on Monday and will end on Tuesday. After that, NEC will meet and determine our next steps by Wednesday. Everyone will know the outcome then,” the source said.
The uncertainty has heightened fears across public universities after ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the Federal Government expired on Saturday. The union has repeatedly warned of a full-blown strike, accusing the government of adopting a “nonchalant” posture toward critical demands.
Among ASUU’s key demands are the review of the 2009 ASUU–Federal Government agreement, payment of outstanding salaries and earned academic allowances, and the release of funds for the revitalisation of public universities.
However, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa—currently out of the country—insists the government has already met “nearly all” the union’s demands. Speaking at the State House two weeks ago, Alausa reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s directive that no strike must take place in public universities.
“As I told you, the President has mandated us that he doesn’t want ASUU to go on strike, and we’re doing everything humanly possible to ensure that our students stay in school,” he said.
“We’ve met nearly all their requirements and have returned to the negotiation table. We will resolve this.”
The Nigeria Labour Congress has thrown its weight behind ASUU, warning that it will “fight alongside the academic community” if the government fails to address the union’s demands.
All eyes are now on Wednesday’s NEC meeting, where ASUU will announce its final decision—one that could determine the fate of millions of university students across the country.