Nigeria professors set to receive additional ₦1.8 million annually following FG-ASUU agreement

University professors in Nigeria are set to gain an extra ₦1.8 million each year as part of a long-awaited agreement struck between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), bringing to a close 16 years of drawn-out discussions.

The agreement was officially finalized on January 14, 2026, in Abuja, and it includes a thorough review of pay for academic staff at federal tertiary institutions, effective from January 1, 2026, as sanctioned by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

Key aspects of the agreement include a 40 percent increase in salaries for university academics, aimed at boosting morale, enhancing service delivery, increasing competitiveness on a global scale, and addressing the ongoing brain drain in the university sector.

The revised salary structure will combine the Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary (CONUASS) with a Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), which addresses the specific needs of university educators, including expenses for journal publications, conference attendance, internet access, professional membership, and book allowances.

A notable feature of the agreement is the establishment of a Professorial Cadre Allowance specifically for full-time professors and readers. Under this new allowance, professors will receive ₦1.8 million annually, which breaks down to approximately ₦140,000 per month, while readers will get an extra ₦840,000 yearly, or ₦70,000 monthly.

This 40 percent raise will largely be reflected in the consolidated academic tools allowance, recognizing the specialized research and academic requirements of university lecturers.

Additionally, nine Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) have been restructured to be directly linked to the responsibilities performed, such as those for supervising postgraduates, conducting fieldwork, managing clinical duties, moderating examinations, and holding leadership positions. The Federal Government asserts this will promote productivity, accountability, and fairness within the academic framework.

This allowance system does not extend to part-time academics and aims to facilitate research coordination, academic record-keeping, and administrative efficiency, allowing senior faculty members more time for teaching, mentorship, and innovation.

During the announcement of the renegotiated agreement in Abuja, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa regarded the deal as a significant historical moment that reflects renewed trust, restored confidence, and a solid commitment by the government to maintaining consistent academic calendars in Nigerian universities.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) expressed support for the agreement but cautioned that delays in negotiations with non-academic unions could disrupt academic stability in the university system.

In a press release in Abuja, JAC emphasized the importance of the January 14, 2026 agreement as a major achievement after lengthy negotiations, underlining that dialogue remains the most effective way to address labor disputes in public universities.

However, ASUU also expressed concerns regarding reported mismanagement of funds and governance issues within some universities. ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna pointed out that inadequate governance erodes accountability, stability, and academic standards in parts of the system.

He noted that while university autonomy is acknowledged in principle and somewhat incorporated in law, enforcement of this autonomy is lacking, with frequent instances of external interference in university governance.

Piwuna criticized the arbitrary dismissal of governing councils and meddling in vice-chancellor appointments, which he claims undermine meritocracy and institutional stability. He also raised issues about promotions in several new federal universities of education, alleging that proper procedures and standards for professorial appointments are being overlooked.

While NASU and SSANU welcomed the new remuneration framework, they warned that the benefits achieved through the ASUU agreement would be limited if the Federal Government does not expedite negotiations regarding the working conditions for non-academic staff, who play essential administrative, technical, and supportive roles in federal universities.