A Dramatic turnaround has unfolded in the protracted standoff between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government, with the union backing down on its strike threat and accepting a 40% salary increase.

“We have finally reached a breakthrough,” ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, said in a statement obtained in Abuja. “The union’s National Executive Council has approved the government’s revised offer, subject to ratification by our members.”

The agreement, which brings an end to months of negotiations, also includes landmark resolutions on funding, autonomy, governance, and staff welfare. According to sources, the government had initially offered a 35% pay rise, but ASUU had rejected the proposal, deeming it insufficient.

However, following intense negotiations, the government upped its offer to 40%, which ASUU has now accepted. “The union is pleased with the outcome,” Prof. Piwuna said. “We believe this agreement will bring much-needed relief to our members and improve the overall quality of education in Nigeria.”

The agreement includes key reforms, such as the adoption of a needs-based budgeting model, support for research initiatives, and protection for university assets. Additionally, the government has pledged to provide duty-free import privileges on educational materials and explore innovative revenue options to finance education.

Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, hailed the development, saying the government had met ASUU’s conditions. “We are committed to improving the quality of education in Nigeria, and this agreement is a significant step in that direction,” he said.

With ASUU now on board, the higher education sector is expected to return to normalcy, pending ratification by individual branches and the signing of a renewed agreement.