Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has taken a decisive lead in Nigeria’s university system by commencing the early implementation of key provisions of the 2025 agreement reached between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bond Ugochukwu Anyaehie, disclosed that the university has begun paying enhanced academic allowances, even ahead of nationwide enforcement, using funds generated internally by the institution. According to him, the move reflects UNIZIK’s commitment to staff welfare and industrial harmony.
Prof. Anyaehie explained that the initial phase of implementation covers increased honoraria for the external assessment of academic staff, a critical component of academic quality assurance. “We are funding these enhanced allowances from our internally generated revenue because academic excellence must be supported by concrete action,” he said.
He clarified that under the 2025 ASUU–FG agreement, the Federal Government bears responsibility for allowances connected to undergraduate academic activities, including industrial training supervision, teaching practice, field trips, and external moderation.
In contrast, the agreement places responsibility for postgraduate supervision and postgraduate external moderation on university governing councils, to be financed through internally generated revenue. Prof. Anyaehie noted that UNIZIK’s governing council had resolved to comply fully with this framework.
One of the most notable changes under the agreement is the substantial increase in the honorarium for external moderation, which has risen from ₦50,000 to over ₦200,000. Academic staff members have described the adjustment as long overdue, given the rigour and importance of the task.
Reacting to the development, leaders of ASUU at UNIZIK commended the university management for what they described as a “progressive and confidence-building step.” An ASUU official said, “This action sends a clear signal that agreements can be honoured without unnecessary delays or excuses.”
Academic staff members across faculties have also welcomed the move, describing it as a good omen that could reduce tensions between lecturers and university authorities. Many expressed hope that the decision would set a standard for other federal universities to follow.
UNIZIK is widely reported to be the first Nigerian university to begin implementing the 2025 ASUU–FG agreement, a development observers say could strengthen trust between ASUU and the Federal Government at a critical time for the education sector.
Beyond allowances, the broader 2025 agreement provides for a 40 per cent salary increase for lecturers, effective from January 1, 2026, alongside a restructuring of nine earned academic allowances, now clearly defined and tied to specific academic duties.
Education stakeholders believe UNIZIK’s early compliance could help stabilise the university system, especially as fears of renewed industrial action linger. “When agreements are implemented in good faith, strikes become unnecessary,” an education analyst noted, adding that UNIZIK’s action may mark a turning point in university labour relations.
