From Victor Osula, Abuja
In a major boost for Nigeria’s public university system, the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have concluded renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement, raising hopes for lasting industrial peace and improved academic standards.
ASUU announced the breakthrough in a statement shared on its official Facebook page on Wednesday, confirming that the agreement was finalised on December 23, after years of prolonged negotiations and disputes over staff welfare, funding, and university autonomy.
The union disclosed that the new agreement will take effect from January 1, 2026, and will be subject to a comprehensive review after three years.
“After years of delays, negotiations, and struggles, ASUU has officially reached a new agreement with the Federal Government, concluding the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement”, the statement said.
Under the revised pact, academic staff in Nigerian public universities will receive a 40 per cent salary increase, alongside significantly enhanced pension benefits. Professors retiring at the age of 70 will now be entitled to pensions equivalent to their annual salaries, a move ASUU described as a recognition of long years of service and contribution to national development.
The agreement also introduces a new funding framework for public universities, with dedicated allocations for research, libraries, laboratories, equipment, and staff development, aimed at strengthening teaching, learning, and innovation across the sector.
A key feature of the deal is the proposal to establish a National Research Council to drive research and innovation nationwide, with a commitment of at least one percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product to research funding.
Other provisions include strengthened university autonomy and academic freedom, restrictions limiting the election of academic leaders, such as Deans and Provosts, to professors, and firm assurances that no academic staff member will be victimised for participating in previous industrial actions.
The conclusion of the renegotiation is widely seen as a turning point for Nigeria’s public universities, which have suffered repeated disruptions due to industrial actions over the years. Stakeholders say the new agreement, if fully implemented, could usher in stability, improved staff morale, and better learning outcomes for students nationwide.
