FG, ASUU reach pay, allowance agreement
The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have reached a new agreement that raises lecturers’ pay, restructures academic allowances and signals a push to end recurring strikes in federal universities.
The agreement was unveiled on Tuesday in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, following negotiations between government and ASUU representatives.
40% salary increase from January 2026
At the centre of the deal is a 40 per cent upward review of university lecturers’ emoluments, approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
The new pay structure, scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026, retains the Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary (CONUASS) and strengthens the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) to cover research publications, conferences, internet access, professional memberships and books.
Earned allowances restructured
The agreement also restructures nine earned academic allowances, tying them directly to clearly defined duties such as postgraduate supervision, fieldwork, clinical responsibilities, examinations and leadership roles.
According to the education minister, the aim is to improve transparency and ensure allowances are earned strictly based on work performed.
New allowance for professors, readers
For the first time in Nigeria’s university system, the Federal Government approved a specific professorial cadre allowance for full-time professors and readers.
Under the arrangement, professors will receive N1.74 million annually (N140,000 monthly), while readers will earn N840,000 annually (N70,000 monthly).
Alausa said the allowance is intended to support research coordination, academic documentation and administrative responsibilities among senior academics.
Tinubu credited with intervention
Alausa credited President Bola Tinubu with personally driving the resolution of the long-running dispute, describing it as a shift towards dialogue and sustained engagement in managing university labour relations.
He said the agreement aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and pledged faithful implementation.
ASUU welcomes deal, flags autonomy concerns
ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, described the agreement as a major step towards rescuing Nigeria’s troubled university system, though he said it came after years of delayed renegotiation.
He said the deal addresses conditions of service, funding, autonomy and academic freedom, while also targeting brain drain and systemic decay.
However, Piwuna warned that government interference in university governance remains a concern, citing frequent dissolution of governing councils and politicisation of vice-chancellor appointments.
Research funding, governance issues raised
Piwuna disclosed that the agreement provides for forwarding a National Research Council Bill to the National Assembly, proposing at least one per cent of GDP for research and development.
He also accused some university managements and councils of mismanaging funds secured through ASUU negotiations, alleging abuses linked to consultancy arrangements.
CONUA seeks inclusion, wider engagement
The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) welcomed the agreement but said outstanding issues remain with other academic unions.
CONUA President, Dr Niyi Sunmonu, urged the Federal Government to conclude negotiations with all academic staff unions to ensure lasting peace on campuses.
Students, parents urge swift implementation
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) said the agreement could restore academic stability but warned that delays in implementation could undermine its impact.
Similarly, the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) described the deal as an achievement and appealed for prompt execution of its terms.
