FG, ASUU To Sign Pact On Salary Increase, Pension Benefits

The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are set to formalise a landmark agreement aimed at strengthening industrial harmony, improving teaching and learning conditions, and advancing sustainable development within the Nigerian university system.

This agreement marks the end of 16 years of stalled negotiations following the 2009 FG-ASUU Agreement.

Last month, the industrial crisis plaguing university system finally saw a breakthrough when ASUU accepted the Federal Government’s offer of a 40 percent salary increase for academic staff, effective January 1, 2026, with a review scheduled after three years.

Key highlights of the deal include professors retiring at 70 years with pensions equivalent to their full annual salaries and the establishment of a National Research Council to fund research with at least one percent of Nigeria’s GDP.

According to the statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, the official unveiling ceremony for the Signed Agreement is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, 14th January, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Conference Hall, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), No. 6 Zambezi Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.

The ceremony, according to the statement, will be presided over by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad.

“The event represents a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to foster a stable, productive, and globally competitive higher education sector.

“The agreement underscores the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to constructive engagement with critical stakeholders and the resolution of industrial issues through sustained dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation.

“It is expected to further enhance industrial peace across Nigerian universities, create a more conducive academic environment, and reinforce confidence among students, staff, and the wider public,” the statement said.

It noted that the development aligns squarely 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.

“The ceremony will bring together senior government officials, representatives of ASUU, heads of tertiary institutions, development partners, and members of the media, reflecting a broad-based commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s education sector,” it noted.