In a landmark development for Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, the Federal Government (FG) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) formally signed a renegotiated agreement on January 14, 2026, in Abuja.
This pact replaces the long-stalled 2009 agreement, ending a 16-year renegotiation impasse that has been marred by repeated strikes, disruptions to academic calendars, and ongoing disputes over welfare, funding, and autonomy.
The unveiling ceremony, presided over by Education Minister Tunji Alausa, highlighted the Tinubu administration’s emphasis on dialogue and reform to foster stability and excellence in public universities.
ASUU President Chris Piwuna commended the process but cautioned that lingering issues like government interference and inadequate research funding could undermine the gains.
The agreement, effective from January 1, 2026, and set for review after three years, addresses core demands from ASUU while introducing structural changes aimed at curbing brain drain, boosting productivity, and enhancing global competitiveness.
Below are key elements of the deal, drawn from the official provisions and statements from both parties.
40% Salary Increase for Academic Staff
All academic staff in federal universities will receive a 40% upward review of their emoluments, effective January 1, 2026, as approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
This includes the Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary (CONUASS) and a new Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), which accounts for the bulk of the increment and supports essential activities like journal publications, conference attendance, internet access, learned society memberships, and book procurement.
New Professorial Cadre Allowance
For the first time, a dedicated allowance has been introduced for senior academics.
Full-time professors will earn N1.74 million annually (equivalent to N140,000 monthly), while readers (associate professors) will receive N840,000 per annum (N70,000 monthly).
This recognizes their heavy administrative, scholarly, and research workloads, and is limited to full-time staff.
Restructured Earned Academic Allowances (EAA)
The EAA has been revamped into nine transparent components, strictly tied to performed duties. These include postgraduate supervision, fieldwork, clinical responsibilities, examination moderation, invigilation, and leadership roles.
The restructuring aims to promote accountability, fairness, and productivity within the system.
Improved Pension Benefits for Retiring Professors
Professors retiring at age 70 will now receive pension benefits equivalent to their full annual salary at retirement. This enhancement addresses long-standing concerns about post-retirement welfare and is part of efforts to retain experienced academics.
Revamped University Funding Model
A new funding framework allocates dedicated resources for research, infrastructure development, libraries, laboratories, equipment upgrades, and staff training.
This is designed to reverse sectoral decay and position Nigerian universities as hubs for innovation and national development.
Commitment to National Research Council (NRC)
The FG has pledged to forward a bill to the National Assembly for the establishment of a National Research Council, with proposed funding of at least 1% of Nigeria’s GDP dedicated to research, innovation, and development. ASUU emphasized the urgency of this to prevent universities from becoming mere teaching institutions.
Reinforced University Autonomy and Academic Freedom
The agreement strengthens institutional independence, including protections against government interference in governing councils and vice-chancellor appointments.
It also mandates elected academic leadership for deans and provosts, with eligibility restricted to professors to uphold meritocracy.
No-Victimization Clause
Both parties agreed that no individual involved in the renegotiation process or past union struggles will face victimization or reprisals.
This fosters trust and encourages open dialogue in future engagements.
Three-Year Review Mechanism
The entire agreement will be reviewed after three years to assess implementation and address any emerging issues, ensuring it remains adaptive to the evolving needs of the sector.
Implementation and Monitoring Structures
An implementation committee will be established, alongside a monitoring unit within the National Universities Commission (NUC), to oversee compliance and resolve disputes promptly.
The agreement also touches on broader reforms, such as curbing the “consultancy syndrome” in fund management and addressing irregularities in academic promotions, particularly in newly converted universities of education.
Minister Alausa described the pact as “structural, practical, and transformative,” crediting President Tinubu’s direct involvement for its success.
However, ASUU warned that national economic challenges, including inflation and insecurity, could erode the benefits if not tackled holistically.
This deal comes amid ongoing fiscal commitments, with the FG allocating N3.52 trillion to education in the 2026 budget, including expanded student loans via NELFUND.
Stakeholders hope it will usher in an era of uninterrupted learning, but ASUU remains vigilant, stating it will not hesitate to act if implementation falters.
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