FG, ASUU end years of disputes with new agreement

The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have finally concluded renegotiations of the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement, bringing an end to years of protracted disputes over academic welfare and university funding.

In a statement shared on its official Facebook page on Wednesday, ASUU confirmed that the new agreement was reached on December 23, 2025, following extensive negotiations between both parties.

The deal is set to take effect from January 1, 2026, and will be reviewed after three years.

“After years of delays, negotiations, and struggles, ASUU has officially reached a new agreement with the Federal Government, concluding the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement,” the union stated.

Under the new agreement, academic staff in Nigerian public universities will receive a 40 per cent salary increase, while pension benefits have been significantly enhanced, with professors entitled to a pension equivalent to their annual salary upon retirement at the age of 70.

The deal also introduces a new university funding model, providing dedicated allocations for research, libraries, laboratories, equipment, and staff development.

Also, a National Research Council is proposed to support research activities with a commitment of at least one per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.

Other key provisions include strengthened university autonomy and academic freedom, the election of academic leaders such as Deans and Provosts restricted to professors, and a commitment that no individual will face victimisation for participating in past industrial actions.