The Federal Government has commenced the implementation of a renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), approving a minimum 40 per cent upward review of salaries and other emoluments for academic staff in public universities, in a development expected to ease long-standing tensions in the nation’s tertiary education sector.
The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which is responsible for the payment template, has acknowledged the new salary structure, confirming that the review will take effect from January 1, 2026.
The implementation follows the formal signing of a new remuneration template by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and ASUU officials led by the union’s president, Prof. Chris Piwuna, at a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
Under the new agreement, lecturers’ remuneration will be anchored on the Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONUASS), complemented by a strengthened Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA). The revamped CATA is designed to directly support academic productivity by funding journal publications, conference participation, internet access, professional memberships and book development.
The renegotiated pact also introduces major reforms to Earned Academic Allowances, with nine categories now clearly defined, transparently earned and directly tied to specific academic duties. These include postgraduate supervision, fieldwork, clinical and laboratory responsibilities, examination duties and leadership roles within universities.
In a further boost to academic welfare, the Federal Government approved a new Professorial Cadre Allowance for full-time Professors and Readers, in recognition of their extensive teaching, research and administrative responsibilities. Under the scheme, Professors will receive N1.74 million annually, equivalent to N140,000 monthly, while Readers will earn N840,000 annually or N70,000 monthly.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Alausa said the special allowances were introduced to strengthen research coordination, improve academic documentation and enhance administrative efficiency across federal universities. He noted that the measures would allow senior academics to devote more time to teaching, mentorship and innovation.
The Minister praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the pay rise, describing it as a decisive intervention aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s tertiary education system. According to him, the improved welfare package could significantly reduce industrial disputes and put an end to frequent strikes and disrupted academic calendars in public universities.
Meanwhile, ASUU used the occasion to reiterate its push for the passage of a National Research Council Bill by the National Assembly. The proposed legislation, according to the union, is aimed at institutionalising sustainable research funding, strengthening innovation and ensuring long-term development of Nigeria’s higher education and knowledge sectors.
The latest agreement is being viewed as a major breakthrough in government-union relations and a critical step toward restoring stability, improving academic standards and enhancing global competitiveness of Nigeria’s universities.
