The Federal Government of Nigeria has reached a historic agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), culminating in a 40% salary increase for university lecturers nationwide. The agreement finalises the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–ASUU pact and introduces several key reforms aimed at strengthening the nation’s higher education system.

Highlights of the agreement include:

Salary Increase: Academic staff to receive a 40% rise in their salaries. Enhanced Pension Benefits: Professors will earn pensions equivalent to their annual salary upon retirement at age 70. Improved University Funding: Dedicated allocations for research, libraries, laboratories, equipment, and staff development. National Research Council: A proposed NRC will fund research with at least 1% of Nigeria’s GDP. University Autonomy & Academic Freedom: Greater independence for universities and enhanced protections for academic freedom. Elected Academic Leadership: Positions such as Deans and Provosts will be filled through elections, with only professors eligible. Implementation Timeline: The agreement takes effect from 1 January 2026 and will be reviewed after three years. Protection Against Retaliation: No academic staff involved in the negotiation process will face victimization.

ASUU has urged the government to implement the agreement promptly and called for similar negotiations with other university unions to ensure stability across the tertiary education sector.