The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have concluded the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, ending a 16-year crisis that repeatedly disrupted Nigeria’s public universities.
Announced on December 23, 2025, the new terms take effect from January 1, 2026. Key highlights include a 40% salary increase for academic staff, improved pension benefits for professors, and a new university funding model with dedicated allocations for research, libraries, and laboratories. The agreement also establishes a National Research Council to fund research with at least 1% of Nigeria’s GDP.
Renowned educationist Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies hailed the agreement as a “historic turning point” for Nigeria’s higher education sector, urging faithful implementation.
“A 16-year renegotiation crisis is not just an industrial failure; it is a national tragedy,” she stated. “Nigeria does not suffer from a lack of agreements; it suffers from a lack of implementation.”
She praised ASUU’s consistent advocacy for university funding, autonomy, and staff welfare, while cautioning against bureaucratic delays that could undermine the deal’s impact.
ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna also expressed optimism, calling on the government to implement the agreement without delay.
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Disclaimer: This report is based on a press release from Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies and publicly available details of the FG–ASUU agreement. CDA News Nigeria has not independently verified all terms and timelines.
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BREAKING: FG, ASUU end 16-year renegotiation crisis. 40% salary increase, new research council agreed. Prof. Adesanya-Davies urges swift implementation.
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