The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Nigerian federal government have reached a new agreement, signed on December 23, 2025, aimed at resolving long-standing disputes that have plagued the nation’s higher education system. This landmark accord, which revises the contentious 2009 ASUU-Government agreement, is expected to usher in a period of stability and address critical issues affecting Nigerian universities. ASUU leadership expressed optimism that its full implementation would significantly alleviate the challenges currently faced by the institutions.
Nigerian universities have historically been marred by frequent industrial actions, often leading to prolonged strikes that disrupt academic calendars and extend students’ study durations far beyond their scheduled years. These recurrent disruptions have become a defining feature of the country’s tertiary education landscape, causing immense frustration among students, parents, and educators alike, and undermining the quality and consistency of learning. The new agreement seeks to break this cycle of contention and foster a more conducive environment for academic pursuits.
Professor Chris Piwuna, President of ASUU, underscored the union’s persistent struggle over the years, particularly highlighting the challenging negotiations during the administration of the late Muhammadu Buhari. He emphasized that the protracted discussions and advocacy efforts culminated in this latest understanding with the federal government. The union has consistently advocated for improved funding, better working conditions, and enhanced autonomy for universities, asserting these as crucial for national development.
Central to the new agreement are significant financial provisions designed to improve the welfare of academic staff and boost university operations. Lecturers are set to receive a substantial 40% increase in their salaries, a move long championed by ASUU to reflect current economic realities and attract talent. Additionally, the agreement stipulates enhanced pension benefits for professors, ensuring they receive retirement packages equivalent to their salaries upon reaching the retirement age of 70, addressing a key demand for improved post-service welfare.
Beyond individual remuneration, the accord commits to a substantial increase in funding for universities. Specific allocations are earmarked for critical areas such as research initiatives, the upgrading of library facilities, and the equipping of modern laboratories, all essential for fostering academic excellence and innovation. Furthermore, funds will be dedicated to staff training and development programs, aiming to enhance the pedagogical and research capabilities of university lecturers across the country.
A cornerstone of the agreement is the establishment of a National Research Council (NRC), envisioned as a pivotal institution for driving national development through research. This council is slated to receive a dedicated funding allocation equivalent to at least one percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), underscoring the government’s commitment to scientific inquiry and innovation. The NRC is expected to coordinate and promote high-impact research across various disciplines, contributing to policy-making and economic growth.
The agreement also grants greater operational autonomy to Nigerian universities, allowing them more latitude in managing their affairs without undue government interference. This includes provisions for universities to elect their departmental and faculty heads, with the stipulation that these leadership positions must be held by qualified professors. This measure aims to decentralize decision-making and empower academic communities to govern themselves more effectively, aligning with global best practices for university administration.
According to ASUU, the new agreement is scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026, providing a clear timeline for implementation. A crucial clause mandates a review of the agreement every three years, ensuring its relevance and responsiveness to evolving circumstances within the higher education sector. Furthermore, the accord includes a non-victimization clause, explicitly protecting ASUU members who spearheaded the union’s advocacy and industrial actions from any form of reprisal.
The 2009 agreement, which this new accord seeks to update, had broadly covered critical aspects of university administration, including working conditions, teaching quality, student welfare, and the overarching principle of university autonomy. ASUU has consistently argued that the failure to fully implement the provisions of that earlier agreement was a primary driver of subsequent industrial unrest, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and enforceable framework.
ASUU leadership has issued a firm call to the Nigerian government for the swift and diligent implementation of all provisions outlined in the new agreement. The union stressed that immediate adherence to the terms is paramount to preventing future conflicts and ensuring a stable academic environment. Additionally, ASUU urged the government to extend discussions to other university-based unions, fostering a broader consensus and comprehensive resolution across the entire tertiary education system.
