In a bid to prevent another nationwide university shutdown, the government’s renegotiation team—led by former Head of Service Yayale Ahmed—reopened talks with ASUU on Monday. The discussions, which resumed after weeks of mounting tension, are scheduled to formally end on Tuesday, according to a senior ASUU NEC member who spoke anonymously due to restrictions on commenting during ongoing negotiations.
“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 union’s one-month ultimatum to the government expired on Saturday, sparking renewed worries among students, parents, and university administrators who fear another extended break in academic activities. ASUU has repeatedly accused the Federal Government of failing to honour commitments made over the years, describing its approach as “nonchalant.”
At the centre of ASUU’s grievances are the long-delayed review of the 2009 ASUU–Federal Government agreement, payment of outstanding salaries and earned academic allowances, and the release of revitalisation funds to address deteriorating infrastructure across public universities.
Despite the tensions, government officials have maintained that substantial progress has been made. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa—currently on an official trip abroad—recently reaffirmed that the administration has addressed most of the union’s concerns and remains committed to preventing a disruption to academic calendars.
“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,” Alausa told journalists. “We’ve met nearly all their requirements and have returned to the negotiation table. We will resolve this.”
The Nigeria Labour Congress has also entered the fray, declaring its readiness to support ASUU if the disagreements deteriorate. The NLC warned that it would “fight alongside the academic community” should the government fail to address the issues raised.
As both sides conclude another round of negotiations, attention now shifts to Wednesday’s NEC meeting—one that may determine whether public universities remain open or slide once again into prolonged industrial action.