The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has unveiled the signed agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), formally concluding the long-standing renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement.
The newly signed pact introduces wide-ranging reforms aimed at improving staff welfare, strengthening university autonomy, and repositioning Nigeria’s tertiary education system for global competitiveness.
Key provisions of the agreement include a 40 percent salary increase for academic staff across federal universities.
In addition, pension benefits have been significantly enhanced, with professors now entitled to earn pensions equivalent to their annual salaries upon retirement at the age of 70.
The agreement also establishes a new university funding model, providing dedicated allocations for research, libraries, laboratories, equipment, and staff development.
To further boost research output, the Federal Government proposed the creation of a National Research Council (NRC), expected to receive funding of at least one percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Other major highlights include provisions for stronger university autonomy and academic freedom, as well as the introduction of elected academic leadership for positions such as Deans and Provosts, with eligibility restricted to professors.
The agreement is scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026, and will be subject to review after three years.
It also guarantees that no individual involved in the struggle or negotiation process will face victimization, reinforcing trust between the government and the academic union.
The signing of the agreement marks a significant milestone in federal government–ASUU relations and is expected to promote stability in Nigeria’s public university system.