The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Monday formally unveiled a landmark agreement aimed at ending decades of industrial disputes and ensuring stability in the nation’s tertiary education system.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, CON, described the agreement as a historic turning point that restores trust, confidence, and predictability to Nigeria’s university system.
According to the minister, the agreement represents a clear demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to quality, accessible, and uninterrupted academic calendars in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
“This occasion is far more than the unveiling of a document. It symbolizes renewed trust, restored confidence, and a decisive turning point in the history of Nigeria’s tertiary education system,” Alausa said.
He noted that for the first time in Nigeria’s history, a sitting President personally took ownership of the long-standing crisis between government and university lecturers, choosing dialogue and reform over prolonged disputes.
40% Salary Review Effective January 2026
Highlighting key provisions of the agreement, the minister announced a 40 per cent upward review of the emoluments of academic staff in federal tertiary institutions, with effect from January 1, 2026, as approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
Under the new structure, the Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary (CONUASS) will be complemented by a Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), which accounts for the 40 per cent review. The allowance is designed specifically for university academic staff and covers essential academic needs such as journal publications, conference participation, internet access, learned society membership, and book allowances.
Dr. Alausa explained that the revised structure is aimed at boosting staff morale, improving service delivery, enhancing global competitiveness, and reversing brain drain in Nigeria’s university system.
Earned Academic Allowances Restructured
The agreement also restructures nine Earned Academic Allowances, which will now be transparently earned and strictly tied to duties performed. These include allowances for postgraduate supervision, fieldwork, clinical duties, examination moderation, and academic leadership roles.
The minister said the restructuring promotes productivity, accountability, and fairness across the tertiary education system.
New Professorial Cadre Allowance Approved
A major highlight of the agreement is the approval of a new Professorial Cadre Allowance for full-time Professors and Readers in Nigerian universities.
Under the arrangement, Professors will receive ₦1.74 million annually (₦140,000 monthly), while Readers will receive ₦840,000 annually (₦70,000 monthly). The allowance is intended to support research coordination, academic documentation, correspondence, and administrative responsibilities.
“This intervention is not cosmetic. It is structural, practical, and transformative,” Alausa stated, noting that the approval recognises the heavy scholarly, research, and administrative workload borne by senior academics.
Tinubu Lauded for Leadership
The Minister attributed the success of the agreement to President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to education as a national investment, describing his leadership as courageous, people-centred, and decisive.
He assured stakeholders that the Federal Government remains committed to faithful implementation of the agreement and sustained engagement with ASUU under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Stakeholders Commended
Dr. Alausa commended members of the Government Re-negotiating Committee led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, the ASUU re-negotiating team under Professor Pius Piwuna, and the immediate past ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, for their roles in resolving what he described as a two-decade-old industrial quagmire.
He said the agreement marks the beginning of a new era of stability, dignity, and excellence for Nigerian universities, restoring hope to lecturers, students, and parents nationwide.
“History will remember today as the day Nigeria chose dialogue, transparency, fiscal realism, and strong presidential commitment as the pathway to resolving long-standing governance challenges,” the minister said.
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