The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have announced a new agreement aimed at ending recurring strikes and reopening universities that have been closed due to long-standing disputes. The deal, finalized on Wednesday, comes after years of failed negotiations dating back to 2012 when the previous 2009 FG–ASUU agreement was due for review.
The current administration began renegotiations in October 2024 through a committee led by Yayale Ahmed. After 14 months of discussions, both parties reached an understanding to improve working conditions for lecturers, increase funding, guarantee university autonomy, and introduce reforms to address sectoral decline and prevent brain drain.
A major change under the agreement is a 40 percent salary increase for academic staff in federal universities, effective January 1, 2026. The salary structure now includes a Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance to support activities like research, conference participation, journal publications, and book purchases. Nine other academic allowances were restructured to match responsibilities such as supervision, clinical duties, and leadership roles. The deal also introduced a Professorial Cadre Allowance, awarding senior academics between N840,000 and N1.74 million annually.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the agreement as a turning point for Nigeria’s tertiary education system, promising a more stable academic calendar and improved lecturer welfare. He credited President Bola Tinubu with personally guiding the process and resolving issues that had persisted for decades.
Despite the agreement, ASUU expressed caution, pointing out that challenges remain in university governance, autonomy, research funding, and academic standards. The union warned that political interference, inadequate resources, and economic challenges could affect the sustainability of the agreement. ASUU urged the government and lawmakers to act quickly to fully implement research funding provisions and ensure that university management follows merit-based practices.
The union also highlighted national economic issues, such as high living costs, currency devaluation, insecurity, and rising transportation fees, as factors that could undermine the effectiveness of the agreement. While optimistic about the deal, ASUU stressed that visible government action, rather than promises, will determine whether the gains are maintained.
The agreement marks a formal attempt to restore stability and confidence in Nigeria’s university system while providing lecturers with better pay and tools to perform their duties effectively.
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