Deal to introduce improved funding model, research support and long-term industrial stability in public universities

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are set to formally sign a long-awaited agreement on Wednesday, January 14, marking a major milestone in efforts to restore lasting industrial harmony in Nigeria’s public university system.

The agreement-signing ceremony is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. in Abuja, according to an official circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Education through its University Education Department. The invitation, sent to vice-chancellors and registrars of federal universities nationwide, described the event as a significant step towards resolving long-standing disputes between the government and the lecturers’ union.

A key highlight of the agreement is the approval of a 40 per cent salary increase for academic staff across federal universities. Beyond improved remuneration, the deal also introduces a restructured and sustainable funding framework for universities, aimed at strengthening teaching, research, and institutional development.

Under the new funding model, universities are expected to receive dedicated allocations for research activities, laboratories, libraries, modern teaching equipment, and staff training and development. The reforms are designed to enhance academic standards, boost innovation, and improve the global competitiveness of Nigerian universities.

The Ministry of Education stated that the agreement underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to industrial peace, better working conditions for lecturers, and improved learning outcomes for students. It also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises stability and reform in critical sectors, including education.

The deal follows the successful renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement, concluded in December 2025, bringing to a close over 16 years of protracted negotiations and recurrent industrial actions that frequently disrupted academic calendars in public universities.

Reached on December 23, 2025, after extensive engagements between both parties, the agreement is expected to take effect from January 1, 2026, with a comprehensive review planned after three years. It also provides for the proposed establishment of a National Research Council, with a minimum annual allocation of one per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to sustainably fund research and innovation in the university system.

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