January 12, (THEWILL) — The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are set to formally unveil a signed landmark agreement aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s university system, raising fresh hopes for sustained industrial peace and improved teaching and learning conditions across public universities.
According to a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Saturday, the official unveiling ceremony will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Conference Hall of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Maitama, Abuja.
The agreement, already signed by both parties, is designed to address long-standing industrial disputes in the university system, promote sustainable development and foster a more stable and productive academic environment.
The ceremony will be presided over by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad. Senior government officials, ASUU representatives, heads of tertiary institutions, development partners and members of the media are expected to attend.
THEWILL had on December 24, reported that the Federal Government and ASUU concluded the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement.
“After years of delays, negotiations, and struggles, ASUU has officially reached a new agreement with the Federal Government, concluding the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement”, ASUU confirmed in a statement issued on December 23, 2025.
Under the revised pact, academic staff in Nigerian public universities will receive a 40 percent salary increase, alongside significantly improved pension benefits. Professors retiring at the age of 70 will now be entitled to pensions equivalent to their annual salaries, a move ASUU described as recognition of long years of service and contribution to national development.
The agreement also introduces a new funding framework for public universities, with dedicated allocations for research, libraries, laboratories, equipment and staff development, aimed at strengthening teaching, learning and innovation across the sector.
A major highlight of the deal is the proposal to establish a National Research Council to drive research and innovation nationwide, supported by a commitment of at least one percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product to research funding.
Other provisions include strengthened university autonomy and academic freedom, restrictions limiting the election of academic leaders, such as Deans and Provosts, to professors, and firm assurances that no academic staff member will be victimised for participating in previous industrial actions.
The Federal Government described the agreement as a significant milestone in its efforts to achieve lasting peace in the university system through sustained dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation with critical stakeholders.
It added that the pact is expected to enhance industrial peace across Nigerian universities, restore confidence among students and staff, and create a more conducive environment for academic excellence.
The government further noted that the development aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which recognises education as a strategic driver of national development, human capital growth and socio-economic transformation.
Reaffirming its commitment to education sector reforms, the government said it remains dedicated to strengthening the university system and ensuring the delivery of quality, accessible and globally relevant education for Nigerians.
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