The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally unveiled and signed the renegotiated 2025 agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), a move described as a major step toward stabilising Nigeria’s public university system and restoring industrial harmony in the education sector.
The unveiling ceremony, held in Abuja, drew senior officials from the executive and legislative arms of government, labour leaders, and representatives of the academic community, signalling a renewed commitment to dialogue and long-term reforms in higher education.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the agreement reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and provides a durable framework to curb recurring strikes and academic disruptions. He said the deal marks a shift toward trust, collaboration, and predictable academic calendars across federal universities.
According to the minister, the agreement is unprecedented in scope, bringing together all critical elements required for a functional, competitive, and globally relevant university system into a single, aligned framework. He noted that the objective is to restore confidence among students, parents, and academic staff while ensuring stability in the sector.
A key feature of the agreement is a 40 per cent upward review of academic staff emoluments, effective from January 1, 2026, as approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. The adjustment will be implemented through a Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), which incorporates support for journal publications, conference participation, internet access, learned society membership, and book allowances.
The agreement also introduces a Professorial Credit Allowance, with professors entitled to ₦1.8 million annually, while academic readers will receive between ₦840,000 and ₦870,000 per annum. The allowance is designed to strengthen research output, mentorship, and academic leadership. In addition, nine previously earned academic allowances have been restructured, clearly defined, and linked strictly to duties performed to promote accountability and productivity.
Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, described the signing as historic and symbolic, saying it represents a renewed covenant based on dialogue, mutual respect, and shared responsibility to strengthen public universities. Drawing on her experience in academia, she stressed the need for sustained partnership and accountability in implementing the agreement.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, said the deal was achieved through amicable resolution and urged all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to ensure diligent implementation of its provisions.
From the National Assembly, the Chairman of the House Committee on University Education, Abubakar Fulata, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Muntari Yandutse, called for sustained dialogue and faithful implementation of the agreement, particularly its financial components.
ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, welcomed the progress made after years of negotiations dating back to the 2009 agreement, while urging consistency in implementation and further reforms in areas such as university autonomy and governance.
An overview of the agreement’s background, scope, and implementation framework was presented by the committee that handled the renegotiation, outlining the expectations and responsibilities of all parties.
The ceremony concluded with the formal unveiling of the signed agreement and a vote of thanks by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Abel Olamuyiwa Enitan, who reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to full and effective implementation.
The signing of the 2025 FG–ASUU Agreement is being widely viewed as a landmark development, raising fresh expectations for a stable Nigerian university system.
