ASUU, FG Conclude Renegotiation of 2009 Agreement, New Terms Begin 2026

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By Alofe Ayomoses

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government have concluded discussions on the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, with both parties agreeing that the new terms will take effect from January 1, 2026.

ASUU disclosed this in a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Wednesday, stating that the agreement was finalised on December 23, 2025, after prolonged negotiations.

The union said the new agreement focuses on improved welfare for academic staff and increased funding for public universities, marking the end of years of delays and disputes surrounding the implementation of the 2009 pact.

According to ASUU, the agreement will be reviewed every three years to reflect prevailing economic realities and ensure sustainability.

Under the new terms, academic staff in public universities will receive a 40 per cent increase in salaries, alongside enhanced pension benefits. Professors are expected to earn pensions equivalent to their annual salaries upon retirement at the age of 70.

The agreement also introduces a revised funding framework for public universities, with dedicated allocations for research, libraries, laboratories, equipment procurement and staff development.

As part of the reforms, the agreement proposes the establishment of a National Research Council to fund research activities, with a minimum allocation of one per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.

Other provisions include strengthened university autonomy, enhanced academic freedom, and reforms in university governance. Academic leadership positions such as Deans and Provosts are to be filled strictly from among professors through internal elections.

The agreement also guarantees that no academic staff will be victimised for participating in past industrial actions.

ASUU expressed optimism that faithful implementation of the agreement would restore stability to the university system and improve the quality of higher education in the country.