Tinubu approves 40% salary increase for university lecturers

The federal government has agreed to raise the salaries of Nigerian university lecturers by 40 percent following the conclusion of talks with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on the long-standing 2009 agreement.

ASUU announced that the renegotiated deal was reached on December 23, 2025, bringing an end to an eight-year negotiation process that began in 2017 after earlier efforts to review the 2009 FGN–ASUU agreement failed. Those delays had contributed to several strikes over the years.

In a circular dated December 24, the union said the new agreement is designed to revitalise universities across the country and address issues such as poor funding, declining autonomy, and the loss of academic talent to other countries.

According to ASUU, the document covers conditions of service, funding models, university autonomy, academic freedom, and wider reforms to the system. Under the new conditions, lecturers’ salaries will be increased by 40 percent.

The agreement also maintains existing pension provisions, allowing professors who meet required service conditions to receive a pension equal to their annual salary upon retirement at age 70.

On funding, the pact introduces a fresh budgeting template tailored to university needs, with dedicated allocations for libraries, research, laboratories, equipment, and staff development.

It also proposes the creation of a National Research Council, to be funded with at least one percent of Nigeria’s gross domestic product, to drive innovation and support research institutions.

The deal further strengthens university autonomy, promotes academic freedom, and encourages merit-based leadership within universities.

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

ASUU added that no member will be penalized for participating in the renegotiation process.

The union expressed confidence that the federal government will begin implementation promptly.