The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are scheduled to officially sign a long-awaited agreement on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, marking what many see as a critical step in ending years of industrial tensions in the country’s public university system.
The signing ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. at the Conference Hall of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in Abuja, where representatives of both parties will formalise terms reached after weeks of negotiations following the resolution of a long-running renegotiation impasse.
What the Agreement Covers
After intensive discussions, the government and ASUU agreed on a framework intended to improve conditions for academic staff and strengthen the overall structure of the Nigerian higher education sector. Key elements expected in the agreement include:
40% Salary Increase for ASUU Members
A 40 percent pay rise for academic staff that will take effect from January 1, 2026, and is set to be reviewed every three years.
Improved Pension Benefits
Under the new pension structure, professors are to retire at age 70 with pensions equal to their full annual salaries — a long-standing demand of the union.
University Funding Reforms
The pact introduces a revamped funding model for universities with dedicated allocations for:
- research activities
- libraries and laboratories
- equipment and infrastructure
- staff capacity development
Establishment of a National Research Council
A proposed council to fund research with a minimum allocation equivalent to 1% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Greater University Autonomy
The framework includes provisions to strengthen governance, including guidelines on the appointment and election of key academic officers such as deans and provosts.
Background: A Long-Standing Rift
The agreement being signed on January 14 follows the conclusion of renegotiations of the 2009 federal government–ASUU agreement, which had shaped labour relations in Nigeria’s public universities for over 16 years.
Repeated industrial actions — including lengthy strike periods — stemmed from disagreements over pay, working conditions, autonomy, and implementation of agreements. The resolved negotiations in December 2025 represent the first breakthrough after years of stalled talks.
Why This Matters
Promoting Industrial Harmony
The signing is expected to pave the way for industrial peace in Nigerian universities, a sector frequently destabilised by repeated ASUU strikes.
Improved Academic Environment
With better salaries, pensions, and infrastructure funding, academics and students alike may benefit from a more conducive teaching and learning environment.
Sustainable Development Goals
The pact reinforces the federal government’s commitment to strengthening tertiary education, a key pillar of national development and human capital growth under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Signing Ceremony Details
Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Venue: Conference Hall, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Abuja
Invited Guests: Vice-Chancellors and registrars of federal universities, ASUU leadership, education officials, and other stakeholders.
The circular inviting participants was issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, through the University Education Department, emphasising the event as a “critical milestone” in strengthening education and industrial peace in Nigeria
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