…Federal Government’s key provisions include a 40 percent increase in academic staff salaries.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have finally signed the long-awaited 2009 renegotiation agreement, ending years of strikes and salary stoppages for lecturers.
The agreement was signed in Abuja by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, Chairman of the Federal Government Renegotiation Team, and ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna.
Piwuna recalled that the original 2009 agreement was abandoned by successive administrations, prompting the union to embark on multiple strikes to press for renegotiation. He confirmed the signing in a circular to zonal coordinators and branch chairpersons dated December 24, 2025, titled Update on the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement.
The circular stated: “Our 2009 agreement was due for review in 2012, which did not happen despite negotiations, strike threats, and strike actions. Finally, the efforts of past and present leadership and members paid off. ASUU reached an agreement with the Federal Government of Nigeria on December 23, 2025, following a renegotiation process that began in 2017.”
The agreement aims to revitalise Nigeria’s university system, focusing on staff conditions, funding, university autonomy, academic freedom, and other reforms to curb brain drain, reverse decay, and reposition universities for national development.
Federal Government’s key provisions include a 40 percent increase in academic staff salaries. pension provisions under existing laws, and a pension for professors equivalent to their annual salary upon retirement at age 70 with specified service requirements.
On funding, the agreement introduces a new budgeting template accounting for university-specific needs, allocating dedicated percentages for libraries, research, equipment, staff development, and laboratories. It also proposes a National Research Council (NRC) to fund research at a minimum of one percent of GDP, supporting innovation and research universities.
The agreement reinforces university autonomy and academic freedom, mandates merit-based governance, and allows elected academic leadership for Deans and Provosts, with only professors eligible to contest.
The agreement takes effect from January 1, 2026, with a three-year review period. It guarantees no member will be victimised for participating in the renegotiation process.
Piwuna commended Mallam Yayale Ahmed, the renegotiation team, and Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa for their efforts, particularly in bringing the process to conclusion. He also called on the government to expedite negotiations with other university unions (SSANU, NASU, NAAT) to ensure smooth operations.
ASUU extended gratitude to the Nigeria Labour Congress for its unwavering support and thanked members for their patience and perseverance throughout the lengthy renegotiation process.
