The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have signed a fresh agreement aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s university education system and ensuring lasting stability across public tertiary institutions.
The new pact replaces the 2009 agreement that had, over the years, sparked repeated industrial actions due to unresolved issues between both parties.
The agreement was formally signed and unveiled on Wednesday at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad; and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi.
ASUU expresses cautious optimism
Speaking at the unveiling, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, said the union remains hopeful that the Federal Government will fully implement the new agreement, despite past experiences.
According to him, ASUU is optimistic that the current administration will act differently and ensure prompt execution of all agreed terms without the need for strike threats.
“We are optimistic that the government will implement this agreement in totality, but pessimism still exists because of our history,” Piwuna said.
“It is our belief that Dr. Tunji Alausa will be different, and that our union will not need to issue a strike threat before any part of this agreement is implemented. ASUU remains open and accessible, just as the minister has assured,” he added.
FG describes agreement as a turning point
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the agreement as a major turning point in the history of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
He said the deal reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to quality education and an uninterrupted academic calendar for students nationwide.
“This occasion represents far more than the presentation of a document; it symbolises renewed trust, restored confidence, and a decisive turning point in the history of Nigeria’s tertiary education system,” Alausa said.
He added that the agreement demonstrates the administration’s resolve to end recurring disruptions in universities and reposition the sector for global competitiveness.
Emphasis on sincere implementation
Also speaking, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, stressed the importance of sincerity, transparency, and partnership in implementing the agreement.
He noted that faithful and timely execution of the pact would promote industrial harmony and restore confidence among students, parents, and the general public.
“Agreements gain true meaning not at the point of signing but through consistent and honest implementation,” Dingyadi said, while commending ASUU for its constructive engagement and commitment to national interest.
Senate hails milestone for tertiary education
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse, described the agreement as a significant milestone for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s universities.
He said the signing goes beyond formalities and represents a commitment to securing the future of the nation’s academic system and overall development.
“This agreement marks a historic step toward ending recurrent crises in our universities and building a robust, sustainable tertiary education system,” he said.
Key highlights of the agreement
The Minister of Education outlined major components of the agreement, including a 40 per cent upward review of the emoluments of university academic staff to improve morale, service delivery, and curb brain drain.
He explained that the revised salary structure will include the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS) alongside a consolidated academic tools allowance, which accounts for the 40 per cent increase and is exclusive to university academics.
Alausa also disclosed that the Federal Government has approved a new category of allowance known as the “professorial cadre allowance” for senior academics.
“For the first time, the FG has approved a professorial cadre allowance for full-time professors and academic leaders in our universities,” he said.
He clarified that the allowance applies strictly to full-time professors and is intended to recognise their heavy academic, administrative, research, and leadership responsibilities.
The agreement is expected to usher in a new era of industrial peace and stability in Nigeria’s university system, provided its provisions are faithfully implemented by all parties.
FG, ASUU Sign New Agreement to End Lingering Disputes, Boost University Education
