The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is set to meet on Wednesday to decide the union’s next steps after renegotiations with the Federal Government concluded.

In a last-minute attempt to avert another strike, the government’s renegotiation team, led by Yayale Ahmed, reconvened talks with ASUU on Monday. A senior NEC member, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the discussions are expected to wrap up on Tuesday, with the union determining its course of action the following day.

“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 NEC member said.

ASUU’s one-month ultimatum to the government expired on Saturday, raising anxiety across Nigeria’s public universities. The union has repeatedly threatened a full-scale strike, accusing the government of ignoring its longstanding demands, which include:

Reviewing the 2009 ASUU–Federal Government agreement

Payment of outstanding salaries and earned allowances

Release of funds for university revitalisation

Despite the grievances, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, currently out of the country, insists the government has met nearly all the union’s demands. Speaking two weeks ago, Alausa cited President Bola Tinubu’s directive that no strike should occur, affirming that negotiations remain ongoing.

“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.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has also voiced support for ASUU, warning it will “fight alongside the academic community” if the government fails to meet the union’s demands.

As the Wednesday meeting approaches, students, parents, and staff across public universities are anxiously waiting to see whether a fresh strike can be averted.