In a landmark move to resolve a protracted industrial dispute, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are poised to formally sign a long-awaited agreement today, January 14, 2026.
Venue Brimming Ahead of Historic Signing
The TETFund Auditorium, the designated venue for the ceremony, is reportedly filled to capacity. The audience comprises a high-profile gathering of Vice-Chancellors and registrars from federal universities, members of ASUU, development partners, and senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Education.
As of the latest reports, guests are assembled and awaiting the arrival of the principal signatories. These include the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, and the President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna.
The Road to Resolution: A 16-Year Journey
This signing ceremony represents the culmination of a 16-year industrial crisis that has repeatedly disrupted Nigeria's university system. The stalemate originated from the contentious 2009 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement, the renegotiation of which has been a core demand of the union for over a decade and a half.
The breakthrough came last month when ASUU announced its acceptance of the Federal Government's proposal for a 40 per cent pay increase for academic staff. This acceptance paved the way for a final settlement.
On December 23, 2025, the union confirmed that it had formally reached a fresh agreement with the government. This development effectively brought the renegotiation process of the 2009 agreement to a conclusive end.
Official Confirmation and Next Steps
The plan for today's formal signing was solidified last week following an official circular. The circular was issued by Rakiya Ilyasu, the Director of University Education, who acted on behalf of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
The successful signing of this agreement is expected to usher in a new era of stability and progress within Nigeria's public university sector, addressing long-standing grievances related to staff welfare and university funding.
