After 16 years of protracted negotiations, the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have finally signed a landmark agreement, raising hopes for stability and improved welfare in Nigeria’s university system.
A major highlight of the new deal is a comprehensive review of the remuneration package of academic staff in federal tertiary institutions, approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, and set to take effect from January 1, 2026.
Under the agreement, the emoluments of university lecturers will be increased by 40 per cent, a move aimed at boosting morale, enhancing service delivery, improving global competitiveness and curbing the persistent brain drain in the education sector.
The new salary structure will consist of the Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary (CONUASS) and the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), which caters specifically to the professional and research needs of university academics.
A defining feature of the agreement is the introduction of a Professorial Cadre Allowance for full-time professors and readers. Professors will now earn an additional N1.8 million annually (about N140,000 monthly), while readers will receive N840,000 yearly (N70,000 monthly).
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According to the agreement, a substantial portion of the 40 per cent increase will be reflected through the consolidated academic tools allowance, covering journal publications, conference participation, internet access, learned society membership and book allowances.
In addition, nine Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) have been restructured and strictly tied to specific duties performed by academics. These include allowances for postgraduate supervision, fieldwork, clinical duties, moderation, examinations and leadership responsibilities.
The Federal Government said the reform is designed to promote productivity, accountability and fairness in the university system.
The allowance, which excludes part-time academics, is intended to support research coordination, academic documentation and administrative efficiency, enabling senior scholars to focus more on teaching, mentorship and innovation.
Speaking at the presentation of the renegotiated agreement in Abuja on Tuesday, January 14, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described the deal as a historic turning point for Nigerian universities.
He said the agreement symbolised renewed trust, restored confidence and a firm commitment by the Federal Government to uninterrupted academic calendars in public universities.
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The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) welcomed the agreement but issued a strong warning.
In a statement issued in Abuja, JAC described the January 14, 2026, agreement as a significant milestone after prolonged and difficult negotiations, noting that it reaffirmed dialogue as the most viable path to resolving labour disputes in public universities.
However, the committee cautioned that the gains recorded with ASUU would amount to little if the Federal Government failed to fast-track the ongoing renegotiation of conditions of service for NASU and SSANU members, who provide critical administrative, technical and support services in universities.
The statement, jointly signed by NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU President and JAC Chairman, Mohammed Ibrahim, warned that delays could threaten industrial peace and harmony in the university system.
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Meanwhile, ASUU President, Prof Chris Piwuna, while welcoming the agreement, raised concerns over alleged mismanagement of funds and governance weaknesses in some universities.
Speaking at the unveiling of the 2025 agreement in Abuja, Piwuna warned that weak governance structures were undermining accountability, stability and academic standards in the system.
He noted that although university autonomy was recognised in principle and partially entrenched in law, its practical implementation remained weak, leading to persistent external interference in university administration.
According to him, the arbitrary dissolution of governing councils and undue interference in the appointment of vice-chancellors had become recurring challenges, eroding meritocracy and institutional stability.
The ASUU president also criticised promotion practices in some newly established federal universities of education, alleging that due process and established standards for professorial appointments were being compromised.
Despite the concerns, stakeholders believe the new agreement marks a major step towards lasting industrial peace and improved quality in Nigeria’s higher education sector.