University lecturers to get 40% pay rise in new FG, ASUU agreement

The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have concluded negotiations on the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, with the new pact scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026.

9news Nigeria reports that ASUU disclosed this in a statement shared on its official Facebook page on Wednesday, noting that the agreement was reached on December 23, 2025, after prolonged negotiations between both parties.

The union added that the agreement would be reviewed every three years.

According to ASUU, the renegotiated agreement is centred on improved welfare for university lecturers and enhanced funding for public universities, aimed at stabilising the country’s higher education system.

A major highlight of the deal is a 40 per cent salary increase for academic staff, alongside significantly improved pension benefits.

Under the new terms, professors will earn pensions equivalent to their annual salary upon retirement at the statutory age of 70 years, a provision the union described as a major step towards ensuring dignity in retirement for senior academics.

The agreement also introduces a new funding framework for public universities, with dedicated allocations for critical areas such as research, libraries, laboratories, equipment and staff development.

As part of the reforms, a National Research Council is proposed to drive research and innovation, with funding pegged at a minimum of one per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Other provisions in the agreement include measures to strengthen university autonomy and academic freedom, as well as the election of academic leaders, including deans and provosts, a process restricted to professors.

The pact also contains assurances that no individual will be victimised for participating in past industrial actions, addressing one of the long-standing demands of the union.

While welcoming the outcome of the negotiations, ASUU urged the Federal Government to ensure prompt and faithful implementation of the agreement.

The union also called on the government to extend negotiations to other university-based unions, stressing that inclusive engagement was necessary to promote lasting stability in the Nigerian university system.