The Federal Government has signed a renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) aimed at ensuring uninterrupted academic activities across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Speaking at the presentation of the agreement in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to industrial harmony, growth, and long-term stability within the university system.
Dr. Alausa said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally intervened to resolve long-standing disputes that have disrupted the university system for decades, describing the agreement as a significant milestone in education sector reforms.
According to the Minister, a major component of the agreement is the review of the remuneration package for academic staff in federal tertiary institutions, as approved by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, with effect from January 1, 2026.
He disclosed that the emoluments of university academic staff have been increased by 40 per cent to improve morale, enhance service delivery, boost global competitiveness, and address the persistent challenge of brain drain.
Dr. Alausa explained that the 40 per cent increase is reflected through a Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, which is exclusive to university academic staff and forms part of their salary structure. The allowance covers expenses related to journal publications, conference participation, internet access, learned society membership, and book purchases.
On Earned Academic Allowances, the Minister said nine allowances have now been clearly structured, transparently earned, and strictly tied to duties performed, in order to promote productivity, accountability, and fairness. These include enhanced provisions for postgraduate supervision, fieldwork, clinical duties, moderation, examination responsibilities, and leadership roles within the tertiary education system.
The Minister also announced the approval of a Professorial Cadre Allowance for senior academics, applicable to full-time Professors and Readers in tertiary institutions.
Under the new structure, Professors will receive ₦1.74 million per annum, equivalent to ₦140,000 monthly, while Readers will receive ₦840,000 per annum, equivalent to ₦70,000 monthly. Dr. Alausa said the allowance is intended to support research coordination, academic documentation, correspondence, and administrative efficiency, enabling scholars to focus more on teaching, innovation, mentorship, and global knowledge production.
He assured ASUU of the government’s commitment to the full implementation of the agreement, which took effect from January 1, 2026.
In his remarks, ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, commended the Tinubu administration for addressing decades of delays in the renegotiation process. He said the agreement focuses on conditions of service, funding, university autonomy, academic freedom, and other systemic reforms aimed at reversing decay, curbing brain drain, and repositioning universities for national development.
However, Professor Piwuna noted that unresolved issues remain, particularly the continued non-adherence to university autonomy. He described persistent government encroachment as a major threat to the progress and survival of the university system.
“University autonomy is universally recognised as a cornerstone of a functional higher education system. In Nigeria, although autonomy is acknowledged in principle and partially entrenched in law, its practical implementation remains weak,” he said.
He also called on Vice Chancellors to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of university funds.
