* No more closure of universities due to strikes
* Improved conditions of service for lecturers
* Universities now autonomous
* Academic freedom granted
By John Egie
The FG-ASUU 2009 Agreement has finally been renegotiated and resolved.
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The renegotiated agreement aimed at resolving long-standing disputes in Nigeria tertiary education sector that had resulted in incessant strikes and closure of universities was unveiled on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa in Abuja.
The 2009 FG-ASUU Agreement was due for revision in 2012 but the process began in 2017 and was concluded in 2025.
Several committees were set up by past administrations but a breakthrough came under the Tinubu administration, which inaugurated the Yayale Ahmed led renegotiation committee in October 2024.
14 months later, an agreement was reached. The agreement focused on improved conditions of service, funding, university autonomy, academic freedom and broader reforms to reverse sectoral decay, curb brain drain and reposition universities for national development.
Significantly, the agreement secured an upward review of the remuneration of academic staff in federal universities by 40 per cent, with effect from January 1,2026.
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Under the new structure, salaries will comprise the Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary and a Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, which accounts for the 40 per cent increment.
The tools allowance is designed ro support core academic activities such as research, journal publications, conference participation with the broader objective of boosting productivity and curbing brain drain.
The agreement also restructured nine earned academic allowances to promote transparency and fairness by tying payments strictly to duties performed.
The duties include post graduate supervision, field work, clinical responsibilities, examination duties and leadership roles in the university system.
A new Professorial Cadre Allowance for senior academics was also approved by the Federal Government.
Under this provision, full-time professors will receive N1.74mm annually, while readers will earn N840,000 per annum. The intervention is a structural and transformative measure aimed at recognising experience, enhance dignity and strengthen the academic profession.
Speaking at the unveiling of the agreement in Abuja, Dr Tunji Alaisa said the deal marked renewed commitment by the Tinubu administration to uninterrupt academic calenders and improve welfare for university lecturers.
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It represents renewed trust, restored confidence and a decisive turning point in the history of Nigeria’s education system.
