The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government of Nigeria reached a historic agreement on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, finalizing the renegotiation of the 2009 Federal Government of Nigeria–ASUU Agreement. The understanding sets the stage for implementation starting January 1, 2026, with provisions scheduled for review every three years.
Okay News reports that the agreement, which has been long awaited following years of industrial disputes, centers on improving the welfare of university lecturers and enhancing funding for public universities across Nigeria. The discussions, which concluded on December 23, 2025, involved detailed negotiations between representatives of ASUU and the Federal Government.
The Chairman of the University of Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria, Branch of ASUU, Professor Idou Keinde, confirmed the outcome in a telephone interview but noted that he had yet to access the full details. “Yes, I can say that an agreement has been reached but I do not have the details yet,” Professor Keinde said.
Under the newly renegotiated terms, academic staff at public universities in Nigeria are set to receive a 40 percent salary increase. Pension benefits will also be substantially improved, with professors eligible to receive a pension equivalent to their annual salary upon retirement at the age of seventy.
In addition, the agreement introduces a new model for funding public universities, with dedicated allocations for research, libraries, laboratories, equipment, and staff development programs. A National Research Council is also proposed to oversee research funding, ensuring at least one percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product is allocated annually to academic research initiatives.
Other provisions include enhanced university autonomy and academic freedom, the election of academic leaders such as Deans and Provosts restricted to professors, and assurances that no staff member will face victimization for participating in prior industrial actions.
