FG, ASUU reach agreement on lecturer salaries.

The Federal Government has reached an agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on improved remuneration and welfare for lecturers, marking the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement.

Under the agreement, lecturers are to receive a 40 percent salary increase nationwide, alongside enhanced pension benefits and reforms aimed at strengthening university funding and academic autonomy.

One of the key provisions allows professors to earn pensions equivalent to their annual salary upon retirement at the age of 70.

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

In addition, a proposed National Research Council will oversee research funding, with at least one percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product expected to be allocated to research and innovation initiatives.

The agreement further reinforces university autonomy and academic freedom, stipulating that only professors will be eligible to occupy key academic leadership positions such as Deans and Provosts.

Authorities also assured that no lecturer involved in the negotiation process will be victimised.

The revised agreement is scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026, and will be subject to review after three years.

Stakeholders say the deal is expected to improve working conditions for lecturers, boost research output, and enhance the overall quality of Nigeria’s higher education system.