The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have finally reached a consensus on the long-awaited renegotiation of the 2009 university agreement, bringing months of discussions to a close.
ASUU announced the development in a statement released on its official Facebook page on Wednesday, revealing that the agreement was finalised on December 23, 2025. The new deal is expected to take effect from January 1, 2026, and will be subject to review every three years.
According to the union, the renegotiated agreement focuses on improving the welfare of academic staff and addressing the persistent funding challenges facing public universities across the country. ASUU noted that the aim of the pact is to restore stability and strengthen Nigeria’s higher education system.
One of the most notable outcomes of the negotiations is a 40 per cent increase in salaries for university lecturers. The agreement also introduces enhanced pension benefits, particularly for senior academics. Under the new arrangement, professors who retire at the statutory age of 70 will receive pensions equivalent to their final annual salary, a move ASUU described as a significant boost to retirement security and dignity.
The agreement further outlines a revamped funding structure for public universities, providing targeted financial support for research, libraries, laboratories, equipment acquisition and staff training. In addition, plans are underway to establish a National Research Council to oversee research and innovation nationwide, with funding set at no less than one per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
Other key provisions include measures to reinforce university autonomy and protect academic freedom. The deal also affirms that leadership positions such as deans and provosts will be filled through elections limited to professors, in line with ASUU’s long-standing demands.
Addressing concerns over past industrial disputes, the agreement guarantees that no academic staff member will face sanctions or victimisation for participating in previous strikes or protests.
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While welcoming the successful conclusion of the talks, ASUU urged the Federal Government to ensure timely and full implementation of all agreed terms. The union also called on the government to engage other university-based unions in similar negotiations, stressing that broad-based dialogue is essential for achieving lasting peace and progress within the Nigerian university system.
