The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have signed a renegotiated agreement aimed at ending years of industrial unrest and improving the quality of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Unveiling the agreement in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the deal reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to stable academic calendars, improved staff welfare, and uninterrupted learning in public universities.
A major highlight of the agreement is a 40 per cent increase in lecturers’ remuneration, effective January 1, 2026, as approved by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission. The increase is packaged as a Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, covering research, journal publications, conferences, internet access, books, and professional memberships.
The government also introduced a new Professorial Credit Allowance, the first of its kind. Under this provision, professors will earn an additional ₦1.8 million annually (about ₦140,000 monthly), while academic readers will receive ₦840,000 per year (₦70,000 monthly), to support research coordination and administrative responsibilities.
ASUU President, Prof. Chris Pinuwa, described the agreement as the outcome of a long renegotiation process that began in 2017, noting that several past efforts failed to yield results. He praised the current administration and the renegotiation committee for concluding the deal.
However, Pinuwa cautioned that challenges remain, particularly government interference in university autonomy, which he described as a major threat to the survival and effectiveness of Nigeria’s university system.
Despite the concerns, both parties expressed optimism that the agreement would help curb brain drain, boost morale, and reposition Nigerian universities for national development.
