The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a 40% salary increase for university lecturers as part of a landmark renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), ending an eight-year review process of the 2009 FGN-ASUU pact.

The agreement, concluded on December 23, 2025, was announced by ASUU in a circular dated December 24, 2025, describing it as a comprehensive framework aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s public university system.

Key highlights of the deal include:

– A 40% upward review of academic staff salaries under improved conditions of service.

– Reaffirmation of pension benefits, allowing professors to retire at age 70 with a pension equivalent to their final annual salary, subject to service requirements.

– Introduction of a tailored budgeting template to address universities’ specific funding needs.

– Provisions for enhanced university autonomy, academic freedom, and systemic reforms to curb brain drain and underfunding.

– Commitments to innovation, research funding through a proposed National Research Council, and duty-free imports for educational materials.

ASUU expressed optimism that the government would commence prompt implementation, with the new salary structure expected to take effect from January 1, 2026.

The breakthrough averts potential industrial action, following months of tense negotiations that began in 2017. Earlier reports in November and early December indicated the government’s proposal of the 40% increment as a key offer to resolve lingering disputes over withheld salaries, earned allowances, and revitalization funds.

Multiple outlets, including Politics Nigeria, The Star, Legit.ng, and The Guardian, confirmed the agreement, noting its potential to stabilize the tertiary education sector amid ongoing challenges like inflation and emigration of academics.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the development, viewing it as a significant step toward addressing long-standing grievances in Nigeria’s public universities.

The Ministry of Education is yet to issue an official statement, but sources indicate alignment with President Tinubu’s directive to avoid disruptions in the academic calendar.