FG May Need Extra ₦560 Billion to Meet ASUU, University Unions’ Salary Demands
The Federal Government may require an additional ₦560 billion to meet the demand by university teachers for improved annual pay, a top government source has revealed.
The source, who is familiar with the ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government and university-based unions, disclosed that providing such an amount may be “fiscally tight”, especially in view of the country’s declining revenue.
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FG Already Spends ₦372 Billion on University Education
According to the source, the Federal Government currently spends about ₦372 billion annually on university education, including the payment of lecturers’ salaries.
The source noted that the extra ₦560 billion would be required to fully implement the new salary structure being demanded by university unions.
Professors May Earn at Least ₦2 Million Monthly
Based on the ongoing discussions between the government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), a professor could earn not less than ₦2 million per month if the new salary proposal is eventually implemented.
However, it was earlier reported that the Federal Government had proposed a monthly salary of about ₦1 million for professors, representing a 100 per cent increase over the current pay.
Buhari Meets ASUU, SSANU, NAAT and NASU
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, met personally with the leadership of the major university unions in a bid to break the deadlock over the prolonged strike.
The unions present at the meeting included:
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Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)
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Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU)
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National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT)
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Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU)
The meeting was also attended by representatives of relevant government ministries and agencies.
At the end of the meeting, President Buhari directed the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, to ensure that the strike is resolved within two weeks.
Declining Revenue Cited as Major Challenge
During the meeting, the Federal Government reportedly explained that dwindling oil revenue has been a major obstacle to meeting the demands of ASUU, SSANU, NAAT and NASU.
Further investigations revealed that, following the President’s directive, the Minister of Finance and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, the Minister of Education, the Budget Office, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, and other relevant agencies have been working on possible options to meet the unions’ demands without creating serious economic shocks.
FG Considers Other Options
A government source disclosed that although the Federal Government has agreed in principle to:
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improve salaries, and
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Release university revitalisation funds,
It is also considering other alternative measures to cushion the financial impact on the economy.
Related Article: FG not ready to fund varsities –ASUU
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much extra money does the Federal Government need to meet ASUU’s demand?
A government source revealed that an additional ₦560 billion may be required for the Federal Government to meet the salary demands of university lecturers and other university-based unions.
How much does the Federal Government currently spend on universities?
The Federal Government reportedly spends about ₦372 billion annually on university education, including lecturers’ salaries.
How much may professors earn under the new salary proposal?
Based on negotiations with ASUU, a professor could earn at least ₦2 million per month if the proposed salary structure is approved.
Which unions are involved in the ongoing negotiations?
The unions involved include:
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ASUU
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SSANU
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NAAT
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NASU
What did President Buhari direct after meeting the unions?
President Muhammadu Buhari directed the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, to ensure that the ongoing university strike is resolved within two weeks.
