In a landmark development for Nigeria's tertiary education sector, the Federal Government has approved a 40 per cent salary increase for academic staff in federal universities, alongside the introduction of a new professorial cadre allowance aimed at recognizing the unique responsibilities of senior academics.
The breakthrough came with the formal unveiling on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, of the renegotiated 2025 agreement between the government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). This pact ends a 16-year deadlock over the review of the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, promising greater stability, improved welfare, and an end to recurrent strikes that have disrupted academic calendars for years.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who described the deal as a "decisive turning point" and a reflection of President Bola Tinubu's commitment to quality education, announced that the salary review takes effect from January 1, 2026. The increase is incorporated through the Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary (CONUASS) combined with a new Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), which supports research needs such as journal publications, conference participation, internet access, and book allowances.
A major highlight is the newly created Professorial Cadre Allowance, approved for the first time by the government. Full professors will receive a monthly top-up of over ₦140,000 (equivalent to ₦1.74 million annually), while Readers get ₦70,000 monthly (₦840,000 annually). Dr. Alausa explained that this enhanced package supports research coordination, academic documentation, administrative duties, and mentorship, allowing senior academics to focus more on teaching, innovation, and knowledge production.
The agreement also restructures nine Earned Academic Allowances, making them transparent, performance-based, and tied to specific duties like postgraduate supervision, examinations, clinical responsibilities, and leadership roles. The minister emphasized the government's assurance of sustainable funding and no victimization of lecturers involved in past negotiations.ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, hailed the deal as the outcome of years of engagement, noting it revitalizes the university system and addresses long-standing grievances.
Stakeholders view this as a significant step toward reversing brain drain, boosting morale, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigerian universities. The agreement includes provisions for greater university autonomy, academic freedom, and a proposed National Research Council funded by at least 1% of GDP. It will undergo review after three years.This positive shift has raised hopes for lasting industrial harmony in the sector, though non-academic staff unions like SSANU and NASU have called for similar consideration in ongoing talks.
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