FG Creates Professorial Cadre Allowance, Signs Agreement With ASUU

The Federal Government has introduced a groundbreaking Professorial Cadre Allowance for senior academics as part of a landmark agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The agreement, announced by Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa during the unveiling on Wednesday, includes a 40 per cent salary increase for academic staff in federal tertiary institutions, effective January 1, 2026.

According to the agreement, full-time professors will receive an additional N1.8m per annum (N140,000 monthly), while readers will get N840,000 per annum (N70,000 monthly).

The minister noted that the allowance recognises the significant workload and responsibilities borne by senior academics and is designed to support research, academic documentation, and administrative efficiency.

He added that the agreement also provides for a Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance covering journal publications, conference participation, internet access, and book allowance, among others.

“First, the agreement provides for the review of the remuneration package of academic staff in federal tertiary institutions, as approved by the National Salaries, Income, and Wages Commission,” he said.

He also added that the salary increase aims to enhance morale, improve service delivery, and reverse brain drain.

Alausa praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, stating that the deal resolves a two-decade impasse and lays a foundation for industrial harmony in the federal tertiary education system.

“He understands deeply that education is the bedrock of any modern, productive, and prosperous society. That is why, for the first time in the history of this country, a sitting president took full control, full ownership of this long-standing challenge that confronted the educational system, and accorded its leadership attention to getting us to where we are today.

“For decades, well-resolved remuneration concerns, welfare gaps, and recurring industrial disputes disrupted academic calendars, undermined staff morale, and threatened the future of our young citizens.

Alausa disclosed that the government has already issued a circular directing the implementation of the wages component, effective January 1, 2026.

“The key components include the emolument of university academics and university academic staff, which has been reviewed upward by 40 per cent to enhance the morale and improve the quality of service delivery and the global competitiveness of Nigerian tertiary educational institutions. And also, to reverse grain drain.

“The salary structure will comprise the Converse and the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance.

“The 40 per cent review will be represented by the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance and is peculiar to university academic staff. The Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance covers journal publications, conference participation, internet access, land society membership, and book allowance.

“Allowances, which are critical tools required for effective teaching, research, and global academic competence and academic competitiveness.

“With regard to the academic allowances, these allowances, nine in number, are now clearly structured, transparently changed, and strictly tied to duties performed, thereby promoting productivity, accountability, and fairness.

“The group of allowances also consists of enhanced provision for postgraduate supervision, fieldwork, clinical duties, moderate exam moderation, and leadership roles within the tertiary educational system,” he explained.

Alausa described it as a “decisive turning point” in the history of Nigeria’s tertiary education system, symbolising a new trust and restored confidence.

In his address, the President of ASUU, Dr Chris Piwuna, expressed gratitude to the government, led by Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa, for its commitment to the renegotiation process.

He, however, raised concerns about ongoing challenges facing the university system, including government encroachment on university autonomy, inadequate research funding, and mismanagement of university funds.

He also called on the government to respect university autonomy and ensure effective utilisation of funds.

Piwuna noted that the agreement includes the establishment of a National Research Council with funding equivalent to at least 1 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP and urged the National Assembly to ensure quick passage of the bill.

The ASUU president emphasised the need for the government to address broader economic and social challenges affecting Nigerians, including poverty, insecurity, and poor infrastructure.

He assured the government of ASUU’s willingness to collaborate in rebuilding the country.

The union expressed optimism about the agreement’s implementation but noted concerns about past experiences with government follow-through.

Presenting an overview of the agreement, Chairman of the Renegotiation Team Mallam Yayale Ahmed, who was represented by the Vice Chairman of the team, Senator Olanrewaju Tajudeen, stated that the agreement represents the culmination of sustained dialogue aimed at improving staff welfare, ensuring sustainable funding, and strengthening university autonomy.

“The agreement updates and consolidates the 2009 framework in line with current realities, improves salary and welfare provisions, introduces a revised funding and revitalisation framework, strengthens university autonomy and governance, and establishes clearer mechanisms for implementation, monitoring, and periodic review,” he noted.