The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government of Nigeria have concluded the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, marking a significant milestone in the quest for improved working conditions and academic excellence in Nigerian universities. The agreement was finalized on December 23, 2025, after years of protracted negotiations and struggles.
This landmark agreement is expected to usher in a new era of stability and growth in Nigeria’s higher education sector. Key highlights include a 40% salary increase for academic staff, aimed at enhancing their welfare and boosting morale. Additionally, improved pension benefits have been agreed upon, with professors set to earn pensions equivalent to their annual salaries at retirement (age 70), addressing longstanding concerns about post-service welfare.
A critical aspect of the agreement is the introduction of a better university funding model. This includes dedicated allocations for vital areas such as research, libraries, laboratories, equipment, and staff development, ensuring Nigerian universities can meet global standards. The establishment of a proposed National Research Council (NRC) is also on the cards, with a commitment to fund research using at least 1% of Nigeria’s GDP, potentially positioning Nigeria as a research hub in Africa.
The agreement strengthens university autonomy and academic freedom, reinforcing adherence to existing laws governing university governance and operations. Establishment circulars inconsistent with these laws will no longer apply, empowering institutions to manage their affairs more effectively. Academic leadership roles, including Deans and Provosts, will now be elected, with eligibility restricted to professors, fostering merit-based leadership.
The Federal Government has committed to amending relevant laws and releasing funds to fulfill its obligations, with an implementation committee and a monitoring unit at the National Universities Commission (NUC) ensuring compliance. The agreement takes effect from January 1, 2026, and will undergo a comprehensive review every three years, allowing flexibility and adjustments based on evolving needs.
ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, expressed optimism, calling on the government to implement the agreement without delay. He urged extending negotiations to other university unions to foster sector-wide stability and progress. The union also secured assurances against victimization of individuals involved in the negotiations, ensuring a peaceful transition.
The accord abolishes the pyramidal academic staff structure, with promotions now based on research output and performance rather than vacancies, incentivizing academic excellence. Furthermore, universities will benefit from duty-free importation of essential academic materials, including books, laboratory equipment, and renewable energy devices, easing resource constraints.
To address funding gaps, an improved needs-based budgeting system was approved, covering recurrent and capital needs previously omitted. The government pledged support for research and development through the National Research Council and encouraged private sector sponsorship of R&D initiatives.
ASUU emphasized that the agreement reflects years of advocacy and collective bargaining, underscoring the power of dialogue in resolving industrial disputes. The union’s National Executive Council accepted the terms to prevent prolonged stagnation, urging members to remain vigilant as implementation unfolds.
This agreement is hailed as a major step toward revitalizing Nigeria’s universities, promising enhanced academic environments, improved staff welfare, and globally competitive institutions. ASUU’s persistence and the government’s commitment signal a renewed focus on Nigeria’s educational future.