In a landmark development for Nigeria's higher education sector, the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have finally signed a new agreement, concluding negotiations that spanned 16 years. The deal, formally presented in Abuja on Tuesday, January 14, 2026, introduces significant financial improvements for university lecturers, aiming to boost morale and curb the brain drain plaguing Nigerian universities.
Key Financial Benefits of the New Agreement
The centrepiece of the new pact is a comprehensive review of the remuneration package for academic staff in federal tertiary institutions. This review, approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, will take effect from January 1, 2026.
The overall emoluments for university academics will see an upward review of 40 per cent. This increase is designed to enhance morale, improve service delivery, boost global competitiveness, and help retain talented scholars within the country.
The new salary structure will be based on two main components: the Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary (CONUASS) and the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA). A major highlight is the introduction of a new Professorial Cadre Allowance for full-time professors and readers.
Under this arrangement, professors will receive an additional N1.8 million yearly, which breaks down to N140,000 monthly. Readers, on the other hand, will earn an extra N840,000 annually, equivalent to N70,000 each month. This allowance is specifically for full-time academics and does not apply to those working on a part-time basis.
Restructured Allowances and Governance Concerns
A significant portion of the 40% increase will be reflected in the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA). This allowance is unique to university academics and covers essential work-related expenses such as journal publications, conference participation, Internet access, learned society membership, and book allowances.
Furthermore, the agreement clearly restructures nine Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), tying them strictly to duties performed. These include allowances for:
- Postgraduate supervision
- Fieldwork
- Clinical duties
- Moderation and examinations
- Leadership responsibilities
The government states that this move will promote productivity, accountability, and fairness within the system.
Despite the celebratory tone of the signing, ASUU President, Prof Chris Piwuna, raised serious concerns about university governance during the event. He warned that weak governance structures and external interference are undermining accountability, stability, and academic standards.
Piwuna highlighted issues like the arbitrary dissolution of governing councils and interference in the appointment of vice-chancellors as recurring challenges that erode institutional stability and meritocracy. He also criticised promotion practices in some new federal universities of education, alleging a compromise in the standards for professorial appointments.
Reactions and Calls for Inclusive Resolution
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, hailed the agreement as a historic turning point that symbolises renewed trust, restored confidence, and a firm commitment to uninterrupted academic calendars in Nigerian universities.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) welcomed the deal with ASUU. However, they issued a strong warning to the Federal Government.
In a statement jointly signed by NASU's General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU President/JAC Chairman, Mohammed Ibrahim, the unions cautioned that the gains with ASUU would be hollow if the government fails to expedite negotiations for non-academic staff. They stressed that their members provide critical administrative, technical, and support services, and a delay could destabilise industrial peace in the university system.
"Timely conclusion of the renegotiation with NASU and SSANU would avert a breakdown of industrial peace and harmony in the system," the statement emphasised. This call underscores the need for a comprehensive resolution that addresses the concerns of all university staff to ensure lasting stability in Nigeria's tertiary education sector.
