The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is at a critical junction: its National Executive Council (NEC) is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to determine the union’s next course of action following the conclusion of high-stakes renegotiation talks with the Federal Government.

The talks, led by a renegotiation committee under Yayale Ahmed, resumed on Monday in a last-ditch effort to prevent another nationwide strike. According to a senior union insider—who requested anonymity because of media restrictions—the two-day negotiation will end on Tuesday, after which the NEC will convene to decide whether to accept the government’s latest offer or initiate industrial action.

Why This Meeting Matters

ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the government expired over the weekend, raising alarm across public universities about the possibility of a full-blown strike. The union has long demanded a full review of the 2009 ASUU–FGN agreement, payment of outstanding lecturer salaries and earned allowances, and the release of funds for university revitalisation.

ASUU’s President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, has publicly warned that the government’s renegotiation approach lacks sincerity, urging for meaningful and speedy resolution. In a previous NEC meeting, the union expressed disappointment at what it described as “piecemeal gestures” from the government—saying partial payments or delayed promises do not meet their critical demands.

What the FG Is Saying

Representing the government, the Yayale Ahmed-led panel has held face-to-face negotiations with ASUU while under pressure to stave off a prolonged disruption of academic activity. Though the government insists it has “met nearly all” of ASUU’s conditions, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa has reiterated that both sides must stick to the table.