The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has praised the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for signing a new agreement that promises stability, better welfare for lecturers, and uninterrupted academic calendars.
In a statement signed by Michael Oyewole, Chief Press Secretary to the NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, the students’ body described the agreement as a fresh start for Nigeria’s troubled tertiary education system.
According to Oladoja, the pact represents a major shift away from the long-standing 2009 agreement that fuelled years of strikes, school closures and delayed graduations.
For students who have repeatedly seen their academic plans disrupted, the agreement signals renewed hope.
NANS noted that comments from ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, and other stakeholders reflected a genuine commitment to collaboration and peaceful industrial relations.
The association also highlighted its own role in pushing for dialogue, saying sustained engagement by student leaders helped create the atmosphere that made the agreement possible.
“NANS heartily commends the Federal Government of Nigeria and ASUU for the successful signing of a new agreement that promises stability, improved welfare and quality in our tertiary education system,” the statement said.
The students’ body specifically applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising education and working towards an uninterrupted academic calendar.
While welcoming the development, NANS urged both parties to go beyond promises and ensure full, transparent and timely implementation of all provisions, warning that failure could erode trust and reverse the progress made.
“This is indeed a turning point,” the association said. “Together, we can build a tertiary education system that works for lecturers, students, parents and the nation.”
The Guardian reports that the agreement unveiled by the Federal Government and ASUU includes a 40 per cent salary increase for academic staff from January 1, 2026, the introduction of a consolidated academic tools allowance, and new professorial cadre allowances aimed at recognising the workload of senior academics.
For students across Nigeria’s public universities, the message is clear: fewer strikes, more stability — and a chance to finally graduate on time.
— The Guardian
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