The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally unveiled and signed the renegotiated 2025 Agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), marking a historic milestone in efforts to reposition Nigeria’s public university system and entrench lasting industrial harmony in the education sector.
The unveiling ceremony, held in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders from the executive, legislature, labour, and the academic community, underscoring a renewed national commitment to dialogue, stability, and sustainable development in higher education.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the agreement as a practical demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that it lays a solid foundation against recurring strikes and prolonged academic disruptions. According to him, the agreement signals a decisive shift towards trust, collaboration, and uninterrupted academic calendars in Nigeria’s university system.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that, for the first time in the history of engagements between the Federal Government and ASUU, all the critical components required for a functional, competitive, and globally relevant university system have been comprehensively captured in a single, aligned agreement. He stated that the objective is to establish an enduring framework that restores confidence in the university system and guarantees predictability for students, parents, and academic staff.
A major highlight of the agreement is the 40 per cent upward review of the emoluments of university academic staff, effective 1 January 2026, as approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. The review is implemented through a Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), which forms part of the salary structure and covers journal publications, conference participation, internet access, learned society membership, and book allowances. The Minister noted that these measures are designed to enhance morale, improve teaching and research outcomes, and strengthen global competitiveness.
In addition, the agreement introduces a Professorial Credit Allowance, providing N1.8 million per annum for professors and between N840,000 and N870,000 per annum for academic readers, to support research, mentorship, and academic leadership. Nine previously earned academic allowances have also been restructured, clearly defined, and tied strictly to duties performed, in order to promote productivity, accountability, and fairness across the system.
Dr. Alausa commended the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for issuing the necessary circulars to ensure seamless implementation of the agreement and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to faithful execution, continuous engagement, and sustained reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In her remarks, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, described the ceremony as both historic and deeply symbolic. She noted that the signing and unveiling of the agreement represent more than the conclusion of negotiations, reflecting instead a renewed covenant anchored on dialogue, mutual respect, and shared responsibility to strengthen Nigeria’s public universities for present and future generations. Drawing from her experience as a lifelong university teacher and administrator, she emphasized the importance of sustained partnership and accountability in moving the sector forward.
The Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, described the agreement as a product of amicable resolution and mutual respect, urging all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to fully embrace and implement its provisions with diligence and responsibility.
From the legislative arm, the Chairman, House Committee on University Education, Abubakar Fulata, and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Muntari Yandutse, called for the sustenance of dialogue and faithful implementation of the agreement, particularly its financial components, in the national interest.
The President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna, reflected on the long and challenging journey since the 2009 agreement, welcoming the progress made while calling for consistency in implementation and continued reforms, including issues of university autonomy and governance.
An overview of the background, scope, and implementation framework of the agreement was presented by the representative of Alhaji Yayale Ahmed Committee on renegotiation providing clarity on expectations and responsibilities of all parties.
The ceremony culminated in the formal unveiling of the signed agreement.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Abel Olamuyiwa Enitan, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders and reaffirmed the Ministry’s full commitment to the successful implementation of the agreement.
The unveiling of the 2025 FG–ASUU Agreement stands as a landmark achievement, symbolising a renewed partnership between government and academia and offering fresh hope for a stable, competitive, and globally relevant Nigerian university system
Signed
Boriowo Folasade
Director Press and Public Relations
