The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government concluded discussions on a renegotiated agreement originally established in 2009. The new terms are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, focusing on enhancing the welfare of university lecturers and improving public university funding.
Prof. Idou Keinde, Chairman of the UNILAG branch of ASUU, confirmed the agreement but noted he had not yet received all the specifics. However, ASUU later announced via its official Facebook page that the new deal will be reviewed every three years.
Key elements of the agreement include:
- A 40% salary increase for academic staff in Nigerian public universities.
- Enhanced pension benefits, allowing professors to earn a pension equivalent to their annual salary upon retiring at age 70.
- Introduction of a new funding model for universities with dedicated allocations for research, libraries, laboratories, and staff development.
- Establishment of a National Research Council, which will fund research activities with at least 1% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
Additional provisions include stronger university autonomy and academic freedom, stipulations for the election of academic leaders exclusively from among professors, and a guarantee that no one will face repercussions for participating in previous strikes.
This agreement marks a significant step forward for the academic community in Nigeria, addressing long-standing issues regarding compensation and funding.
