The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed strong commendation for the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) following the successful signing of a new and comprehensive agreement. This pact, unveiled to the public on January 14, 2026, is hailed as a pivotal move to restore lasting stability and elevate the quality of Nigeria's higher education system.
A Fresh Direction for University Education
In a statement released by Michael Oyewole, the Chief Press Secretary to the NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, the student body described the agreement as a landmark development. Oladoja emphasized that this new framework marks a fresh and positive direction, directly addressing two critical issues: the welfare of academic staff and the guarantee of an uninterrupted academic calendar for students nationwide.
The NANS President highlighted that this new agreement effectively replaces the contentious 2009 agreement, which had been a primary source of prolonged industrial disputes and frequent disruptions to academic activities over the years. The successful negotiation of this new deal is seen as a major breakthrough after years of stalemate.
Key Provisions of the New Pact
The landmark agreement, which was presented by a Federal Government delegation including the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, alongside ASUU executives led by President Prof. Chris Piwuna, contains several significant provisions:
- A 40 per cent upward review of academic staff salaries, effective from January 1, 2026.
- The introduction of a new consolidated academic tools allowance.
- The creation of special professorial cadre allowances to recognise the enhanced responsibilities of senior academics.
NANS noted that the comments from all stakeholders reflected a renewed spirit of collaboration and sincerity, which is crucial for the successful implementation of the agreement.
NANS Advocacy and Call for Implementation
The student association revealed that it played an active role in advocating for the dialogue and reforms that prioritise the welfare of both lecturers and students. According to the statement, the sustained engagement by student leaders helped create an enabling environment that ultimately led to this breakthrough.
NANS specifically applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his demonstrated commitment to quality education and securing a stable academic calendar for Nigerian students.
While wholeheartedly welcoming the agreement, NANS issued a firm warning to both parties. The association urged the Federal Government and ASUU to ensure faithful, timely, and transparent implementation of all the provisions. It cautioned that any deviation from the agreed terms could undermine the newly built trust and reverse the significant gains achieved.
"This is indeed a turning point; together, we can build a tertiary education system that works for everyone; lecturers, students, parents, and the nation at large," the association stated, expressing hope for a new era in Nigerian university education.
