By Ayomide Otitoju
The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have signed a new agreement aimed at improving the quality of university education and ensuring stability in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
The agreement, which replaces the 2009 pact that led to several industrial actions over unresolved issues, was signed and unveiled on Wednesday at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad; the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi; and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse.
Speaking at the unveiling, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, said the union was cautiously optimistic about the new agreement, despite its past experiences with the Federal Government. He expressed hope that the government would implement the agreement without the union having to resort to strike threats.
“We are optimistic that the government will implement this agreement in totality, but pessimism still exists because of our history. It is our belief that this administration will be different, and that ASUU will not need to issue a strike threat before any part of this agreement is implemented,” Piwuna said.
In his remarks, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the agreement as a decisive turning point in the history of Nigeria’s tertiary education system, attributing it to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to quality education and an uninterrupted academic calendar.
“This occasion represents far more than the presentation of a document; it symbolises renewed trust, restored confidence, and a turning point in our tertiary education system,” Alausa said.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, emphasised the importance of partnership and sincerity in implementing the agreement, noting that timely execution would promote lasting industrial peace and restore public confidence in the university system.
“Agreements gain true meaning not at the point of signing but through consistent and honest implementation,” Dingyadi said.
Also speaking, Senator Muntari Dandutse described the agreement as a significant milestone for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, stressing that it marked a commitment to the future of the nation’s academia and students.
The Minister of Education outlined key provisions of the agreement, including a 40 per cent upward review of the emoluments of university academic staff to enhance morale, improve service delivery, boost global competitiveness, and curb brain drain.
According to Alausa, the revised salary structure will comprise the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS) and a consolidated academic tools allowance, with the 40 per cent increase reflected in the academic tools allowance and applicable exclusively to university academic staff.
He also announced the introduction of a new category of allowances known as “professorial cadre allowances” for full-time professors and readers.
“For the first time, the Federal Government has approved a professorial cadre allowance for senior academics. This applies strictly to full-time professors and readers and recognises their significant academic, administrative and research responsibilities,” Alausa said.
The agreement is expected to strengthen industrial harmony, improve teaching and research outcomes, and provide a more stable academic environment across Nigerian universities.
