In a historic move aimed at restoring stability to Nigeria's public universities, the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have finally sealed a landmark agreement. The deal, signed on December 23, 2025, effectively ends a protracted 16-year dispute that had plagued the nation's tertiary education sector with incessant strikes.
Details of the New Allowances and Salary Structure
The Minister of Education, Professor Tunji Alausa, who disclosed the details in Abuja, announced the introduction of a new professorial cadre allowance. According to the agreement, full-time professors in Nigerian universities are now entitled to an annual allowance of N1.7 million. This fund is specifically designated to support research coordination, academic documentation, correspondence, and enhancing administrative efficiency.
Similarly, academic staff at the reader level will receive N840,000 annually for the same purposes. Professor Alausa was quick to clarify that this financial benefit applies exclusively to senior academics holding full-time positions, explicitly excluding part-time professors and readers.
"This allowance recognises the significant workload, administrative, scholarly, and research responsibilities carried by academics at these levels," the Minister explained, underscoring the government's intent to reward productivity and dedication.
A Significant 40% Salary Increment for All Academics
Beyond the special allowances, the new pact brings substantial financial relief to all university lecturers. The minister revealed a comprehensive 40 per cent increment in remuneration for academic staff across the board.
This increase will be implemented through a revised salary structure. Academics will now be paid using two main components: the existing Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary (CONUASS) and a newly structured Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA). The 40% review will be encapsulated within the CATA, which covers essential academic expenses including:
- Journal publication fees
- Conference participation costs
- Internet access subscriptions
- Learned society membership dues
- Book allowances
Furthermore, the agreement streamlines nine previously contentious earned academic allowances. These allowances, now described as "structured, transparently earned, and strictly tied to duties performed," cover critical academic functions such as postgraduate supervision, fieldwork, clinical duties, examination responsibilities, and leadership roles within institutions.
Restoring Hope and Ending the Cycle of Strikes
Both parties have hailed the agreement as a turning point for Nigerian higher education. Minister Alausa expressed strong optimism that the deal marks the end of the disruptive strike actions that have become synonymous with the university system. He stated that the agreement is designed to restore confidence among academics, guarantee predictability in academic calendars, and rekindle hope for Nigerian students whose education has been repeatedly disrupted.
"History will remember today not merely as an unveiling ceremony, but as the day Nigeria chose dialogue, transparency, fiscal realism, and strong Presidential commitment as the pathway to resolving long-standing governance challenges and achieving sustained progress," Alausa declared.
On his part, the President of ASUU, Professor Chris Piwuna, welcomed the development with cautious optimism. While expressing satisfaction with the terms reached, he emphasised the union's hope that the Federal Government would implement all aspects of the agreement faithfully and in a timely manner.
This landmark agreement, which replaces the outdated 2009 FG-ASUU pact, is seen as a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. It aligns with the administration's stated goal of placing education at the centre of national growth, innovation, and human capital development, aiming to build a globally competitive and inclusive university system for future generations.
