The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government have successfully concluded the long-awaited renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement, bringing an end to years of protracted discussions and disputes over academic welfare and funding for public universities.
ASUU disclosed the development in a statement shared on its official Facebook page on Wednesday.
The new agreement is set to take effect from 1 January 2026 and will be subject to review after three years.
According to ASUU, the agreement was finalised on 23 December 2025, following extensive negotiations between the union and the government.
“After years of delays, negotiations, and struggles, ASUU has officially reached a new agreement with the Federal Government on 23 December 2025, concluding the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN–ASUU Agreement,” the union stated.
Under the agreement, academic staff in Nigerian public universities will receive a 40 per cent salary increase, while pension benefits have been significantly enhanced.
Professors retiring at the age of 70 will now receive pensions equivalent to their annual salary.
The agreement also introduces a new funding model for universities, with dedicated allocations for research, libraries, laboratories, equipment, and staff development.
Additionally, a National Research Council is proposed to support research activities, funded at a minimum of one per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
Other key provisions include strengthened university autonomy and academic freedom, the election of academic leaders such as Deans and Provosts restricted to professors, and a guarantee that no individual will face victimisation for participating in past industrial actions.