FG, ASUU set to sign long-awaited agreement January 14

The Federal Government will on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, formally sign an agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) after weeks of negotiations aimed at resolving long-standing industrial disputes in Nigeria’s university system.

The signing is widely linked to the Federal Government’s proposed 40 per cent salary increase for academic staff, which ASUU accepted last month.

The agreement is expected to take effect from January 1, 2026, with a review scheduled after three years.

A circular issued by the Ministry of Education invited Vice-Chancellors and Registrars of federal universities to attend the signing ceremony, slated for 11:00 a.m. at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall, Abuja.

The circular, dated January 5, 2026, and referenced FME/IS/UNI/ASUU/C.11/Vol.V/82, was signed by the Director of University Education, Rakiya Ilyasu, on behalf of the Minister of Education.

Titled “Invitation to the Ceremony for the Signing of Agreement Between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities,” the circular described the event as a major step toward industrial harmony and improved teaching and learning in Nigerian universities.

It noted that the agreement underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to the sustainable development of education in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Attendance at the ceremony was declared mandatory for all invited university administrators.

The deal marks a breakthrough in resolving issues stemming from the 2009 FG–ASUU agreement, which had fueled repeated industrial actions over the past 16 years.

Key provisions include improved remuneration, enhanced funding for libraries, laboratories, equipment and staff development, and greater university autonomy.

Under the new terms, professors will earn pensions equivalent to their final annual salaries upon retirement at age 70.

The agreement also provides for the establishment of a National Research Council to fund research with at least one per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.

Other highlights include the election of academic leaders, with only professors eligible to serve as deans and provosts, and assurances that no staff member will be victimised for participation in past industrial actions.