The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have unveiled a renegotiated agreement designed to resolve long-standing disputes that have repeatedly triggered strikes and disrupted academic calendars across Nigeria’s public universities. The agreement, unveiled in Abuja, replaces the 2009 FG–ASUU pact and is being presented by both sides as a major step toward industrial peace and reforms in the tertiary education sector.
A central feature of the deal is an upward review of lecturers’ remuneration by 40%, with implementation set to take effect from January 1, 2026.
What the new FG–ASUU agreement covers
1) 40% salary review and a new salary structure
According to details released at the unveiling, the new pay arrangement splits academic staff earnings into two components:
- CONUASS (Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary), and
- CATA (Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance), which represents the 40% review and is designed to support core academic work such as research, journal publications, conference participation, internet access, learned society membership and book procurement.
The government’s framing is that the tools allowance is not just “extra pay,” but a productivity-focused support mechanism aimed at improving academic output and reducing brain drain pressures.
2) Reform of earned academic allowances
The agreement also restructures nine earned academic allowances—with payments tied more strictly to duties performed. These include allowances linked to responsibilities such as postgraduate supervision, fieldwork, clinical duties, examination duties and leadership roles within the university system.
The government says the aim is to improve transparency and fairness while rewarding measurable academic work.
3) New “Professorial Cadre Allowance” for senior academics
One of the most talked-about additions is a new Professorial Cadre Allowance for full-time professors and readers.
Different outlets report close figures, with the unveiling detailing:
- Professors: about ₦1.7m–₦1.74m annually
- Readers: about ₦840,000 annually
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the allowance is meant to recognise the heavy scholarly, research, and administrative responsibilities of senior academics and applies to full-time professors/readers (not part-time).
How the agreement was reached
The renegotiation process is widely reported as a long-running effort that started years ago to review the 2009 agreement. Punch notes that multiple previous committees failed to deliver an outcome until the current administration set up a Yayale Ahmed-led renegotiation committee in October 2024, leading to a breakthrough months later.
BusinessDay similarly describes the agreement as a landmark resolution to a prolonged renegotiation stalemate and positions it as a reset for welfare, funding and stability in the university system.
What FG and ASUU said at the unveiling
At the Abuja event, Education Minister Tunji Alausa described the deal as a turning point aimed at supporting uninterrupted academic calendars and enhancing staff welfare, aligning it with the administration’s broader reform agenda.
ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna, while acknowledging the step forward, also warned that structural and governance issues—such as concerns over university autonomy and broader socio-economic pressures—could still threaten long-term sustainability if not addressed.
Why this matters for students and universities
If implemented effectively, the agreement could:
- reduce strike frequency and academic calendar disruptions,
- improve staff retention and motivation,
- enhance research productivity and academic quality, and
- restore confidence among students, parents, and employers.
However, ASUU’s caution signals that implementation and follow-through will be the real test—especially around governance and autonomy issues that historically fuel disputes.
Leave a Reply