The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have reached a renegotiated agreement aimed at ending recurring strike actions and stabilising Nigeria’s university system.
The agreement, concluded in 2025 as a review of the 2009 FGN–ASUU pact, was unveiled on Wednesday at the TETFund headquarters in Abuja.
Key Highlights of the New Agreement
Speaking at the unveiling, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the deal prioritises improved welfare, academic productivity, and industrial harmony.
A major highlight is the approval of a new Professorial Cadre Allowance for senior academics.
New Professorial Cadre Allowance
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Professors: ₦1,740,000 per annum (₦140,000 monthly)
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Readers: ₦840,000 per annum (₦70,000 monthly)
The allowance applies strictly to full-time Professors and Readers in tertiary institutions.
According to Alausa, the allowance recognises the heavy administrative, scholarly, research, and leadership responsibilities borne by senior academics.
40% Salary Review From January 2026
The minister also announced a 40% upward review of university academic salaries, effective January 1, 2026, as approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
Under the new structure:
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Salaries will comprise CONUASS (Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary) and
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CATA (Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance)
CATA will cover:
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Journal publications
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Conference participation
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Internet access
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Learned society membership
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Book and research tools
The aim, Alausa said, is to boost morale, reverse brain drain, and enhance global competitiveness of Nigerian universities.
Earned Academic Allowances Restructured
Nine Earned Academic Allowances have been restructured and tied strictly to duties performed, including:
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Postgraduate supervision
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Fieldwork and clinical duties
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Examination and moderation
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Leadership responsibilities
The minister described the agreement as “structural, practical, and transformative.”
ASUU Welcomes Deal, Raises Concerns
ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, described the agreement as the product of a renegotiation process that began in 2017, but warned that university autonomy remains under threat.
He criticised:
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Arbitrary dissolution of governing councils
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Political interference in vice-chancellor appointments
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Imposition of candidates over merit-based selections
According to him, such practices erode meritocracy and fuel instability within universities.
Research Funding and NRC Bill
ASUU also confirmed that the agreement includes provisions for research and development funding, including plans to forward the National Research Council (NRC) Bill to the National Assembly.
The proposed bill seeks to allocate at least 1% of GDP annually to research, innovation, and development.
ASUU urged the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives to fast-track the bill.
FG, NASS Assure Implementation
Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, assured that the Federal Government remains committed to dialogue to prevent future strikes.
Similarly, Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Mohammed Muntari Dandutse, pledged continued legislative support to strengthen Nigeria’s education sector.
Culled from: Blueprint Newspapers
