EXCLUSIVE: Details emerge as FG, ASUU seal new deal

Fresh details have emerged on the newly concluded agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) following the successful renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement.

ASUU disclosed that the agreement was reached on December 23, 2025, marking the end of an eight-year renegotiation process that began in 2017 after the failure to review the original 2009 agreement in 2012.

In a circular dated December 24, 2025, and signed by its National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, and exclusively obtained by TRIBUNE ONLINE, the union said the agreement was aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s university system and addressing long-standing challenges such as poor funding, erosion of university autonomy, and brain drain.

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According to ASUU, the new deal covers critical areas including conditions of service, funding, university autonomy, academic freedom, and systemic reforms to reposition public universities for national development.

Under conditions of service, the agreement provides for a 40 per cent upward review of academic staff emoluments. It also reaffirms existing pension provisions, granting professors a pension equivalent to their annual salary upon retirement at the age of 70, subject to defined service requirements and recognition of approved service periods.

On funding, the agreement introduces a new budgeting template that takes into account the peculiar needs of universities. The template allocates specific percentages to libraries, research, equipment, staff development, and laboratories.

A major highlight of the agreement is the proposal for the establishment of a National Research Council (NRC), which will be funded with not less than one per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The council is expected to strengthen innovation, fund research, and support research universities and centres of excellence across the country.

The agreement also strongly reinforces university autonomy and academic freedom. It emphasises merit-based governance and provides for the election of academic leaders. Under the new arrangement, Deans, Provosts, and Deans of Postgraduate Schools will be elected, with eligibility restricted to professors.

ASUU noted that the agreement will take effect from January 1, 2026, and is expected to be reviewed after three years. It also guarantees that no individual will be victimised for participating in the renegotiation process.

The union expressed optimism that the Federal Government would commence implementation of the agreement without delay.

Professor Piwuna commended the Chairman of the Renegotiation Committee, Mallam Yayale Ahmed (CFR), and other members of the team for their commitment throughout the prolonged process. He also appreciated the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for what he described as the “last push” that helped conclude the negotiations.

The ASUU president urged the Federal Government to hasten negotiations with other university-based unions, including SSANU, NASU, and NAAT, to ensure a smooth and rancour-free university system. He also acknowledged the solidarity of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) during the struggle.

Piwuna further thanked ASUU members nationwide for their patience and perseverance and extended Christmas and New Year goodwill messages to members and Nigerians at large.