“End of Tension: Federal Government Signs New Deal With ASUU Full Details

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have signed a new agreement following weeks of negotiations regarding the 2009 agreement.

The signing took place on Wednesday at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja, with top government officials and dignitaries in attendance, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, and ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna.

The new agreement is designed to enhance the quality of university education and promote stability within the sector.

According to the Minister of Education, the agreement is expected to end years of disruptions in federal universities caused by lecturers’ strikes.

Describing the development as a turning point for Nigeria’s education system, Alausa praised President Bola Tinubu for demonstrating the political will to address the challenges in the university sector and provide practical solutions.

“This is more than just the unveiling of a document. It represents renewed trust, restored confidence, and a decisive turning point in the history of Nigeria’s tertiary education system,” Alausa said.

He added, “For the first time in our history, a sitting President confronted this challenge directly and gave it the leadership attention it truly deserved.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Piwuna expressed optimism that the government would honor the agreement without requiring strike threats from ASUU.

“We are hopeful that the government will implement this agreement fully, although skepticism remains due to past experiences. We believe Dr. Tunji Alausa will ensure this time is different, and that ASUU will not have to issue strike threats before any part of this deal is executed,” Piwuna said.

A key feature of the agreement is a 40% increase in academic staff salaries, approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), effective from January 1, 2026.

Under the revised framework, academic remuneration will consist of the Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary (CONUASS) and an enhanced Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA). The strengthened CATA is aimed at supporting journal publications, conference participation, internet access, professional memberships, and book development—tools critical for global academic competitiveness and curbing brain drain.

The agreement also restructured nine Earned Academic Allowances, now clearly defined, transparently earned, and directly tied to specific duties such as postgraduate supervision, fieldwork, clinical responsibilities, examinations, and academic leadership roles.

Additionally, the Federal Government approved a Professorial Cadre Allowance for full-time Professors and Readers in recognition of their academic, administrative, and research responsibilities. Under the scheme, full Professors will receive ₦1.74 million annually (₦140,000 monthly), while Readers will earn ₦840,000 annually (₦70,000 monthly).