FGN
By Olamilekan Abayomi
The Federal Government has approved a N1.7 million annual allowance for professors and a 40% salary increase for academic staff, as part of a renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). This agreement aims to improve the welfare of lecturers, ensure industrial harmony, and end decades of disruptions in federal universities .
The allowance is designed to boost research coordination, academic documentation, and administrative efficiency, allowing senior academics to focus on teaching, mentorship, and innovation. Professors will receive N1.74 million annually (N140,000 monthly), while readers will earn N840,000 annually (N70,000 monthly) .
The agreement also restructures nine earned academic allowances, making them clearly defined, transparently earned, and directly tied to duties performed. These include postgraduate supervision, fieldwork, clinical responsibilities, examinations, and academic leadership roles .
The new salary structure takes effect from January 1, 2026, and will be reviewed after three years. The agreement also proposes the establishment of a National Research Council with statutory funding of at least 1% of Nigeria’s GDP.
The agreement is expected to restore trust, dignity, and confidence in the nation’s university system. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the pact as a historic turning point, emphasizing the government’s commitment to faithful implementation.
ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, welcomed the agreement, highlighting its potential to rescue Nigeria’s troubled university system. He expressed optimism that the government would honor the agreement, citing the current administration’s commitment to resolving long-standing issues.
The agreement has been commended by stakeholders, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN). They urge immediate implementation to ensure academic stability on campuses.
