The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are expected to sign a revised agreement on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
This is following weeks of negotiations aimed at resolving long-standing disputes in Nigeria’s public university system.
The signing ceremony is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall in Abuja.
The new agreement is expected to replace the 2009 pact that has been at the centre of repeated industrial actions.
It includes a 40% salary increase for academic staff, effective from January 1, 2026, with a provision for periodic reviews every three years.
The agreement also introduces changes to retirement benefits, including improved pension arrangements for professors who retire at the statutory age of 70.
The revised framework further provides for the establishment of a National Research Council, which is expected to receive funding equivalent to at least 1% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product to support academic research.
It also contains provisions aimed at strengthening university autonomy, including governance guidelines that affect the appointment of key academic officers.
In addition, the agreement outlines commitments to increased funding for university infrastructure, such as libraries and laboratories, as well as staff development and training.
The Ministry of Education’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, confirmed the planned signing, describing it as part of ongoing efforts to resolve issues that have led to repested strike actions.
