The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the implementation of a key provision of its renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), beginning the 40 % increase in consolidated allowances for lecturers in federal universities, effective January 1, 2026. The move marks a crucial milestone in efforts to improve academic welfare and sustain industrial peace in the nation’s tertiary education sector.
The implementation follows the signing of a landmark agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU on January 14, 2026 in Abuja, which ended a 16-year impasse over the 2009 pact and reset negotiations on lecturers’ pay and conditions of service.
In an official statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, confirmed that the Federal Government has fulfilled its obligation under the agreement by approving the upward review of the Consolidated Academic Allowance (CAA) by 40 per cent for members of ASUU.
“The Federal Government has approved and commenced the implementation of a 40 percent increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance for members of ASUU, effective January 1, 2026. Some federal universities have already begun reflecting the approved increase in their salary payments.”
Alausa directed all vice-chancellors of federal universities to fully integrate the allowance increase into institutional payroll systems so that every eligible academic staff member benefits from the adjustment. He emphasised that this directive forms part of the government’s commitment to honour negotiated terms and promote welfare across the sector.
In addition to the CAA increase, the minister issued clear instructions for the implementation of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) — a new tax-free component of academic remuneration designed to support research, publications, conference participation, internet access, and other tools of academic work. He stressed that the payment framework for CATA has been captured and circularised by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and included in the 2026 budget.
“I request that all university authorities utilise available resources to ensure the approved CATA is paid without delay, in full compliance with the NSIWC circular and the provisions of the FGN-ASUU Agreement. The prompt implementation of this allowance will demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to honouring duly negotiated agreements, promote industrial harmony, boost staff morale, and strengthen the academic environment of our universities.”
Alausa reiterated the government’s dedication to constructive engagement, transparency, and sustained efforts to improve the quality of education in Nigeria’s public universities. He reaffirmed that timely execution of both the CAA increase and CATA will help boost morale among lecturers and enhance outcomes in teaching, research, and learning nationwide.
At the January 14 signing ceremony in Abuja, which formally marked the end of long-running negotiations, Alausa highlighted the broader objectives underpinning the agreement:
“This agreement ushers in a new era of stability, dignity, and excellence for Nigeria’s tertiary education system. It restores confidence to our lecturers, predictability to academic calendars, and hope to millions of students and parents across the country.”
He outlined the major components of the new remuneration structure, including the strengthened Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance designed to support core academic functions and elevate Nigeria’s universities in global competitiveness.
The Federal Government also introduced a Professorial Cadre Allowance for the first time, a targeted package meant to recognise the additional workload and responsibilities of senior academics.
“Under the newly introduced Professorial Cadre Allowance, Professors will earn ₦1,740,000 annually — equivalent to ₦140,000 per month — while Readers will receive ₦840,000 annually — equivalent to ₦70,000 per month. This intervention is not cosmetic. It is structural, practical, and transformative.”
During the same ceremony, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, underscored the significance of the agreement beyond salary matters:
“This agreement carries a deeper significance. It represents a shared resolve to break with the past, to replace confrontation with collaboration, and to anchor engagement on trust rather than suspicion.”
ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna also spoke at the event, expressing cautious optimism while outlining broader objectives for the union:
“This agreement addresses conditions of service, funding, university autonomy, academic freedom and broader systemic reforms aimed at reversing decay, curbing brain drain and repositioning universities for national development.”
The commencement of implementation is expected to bolster lecturer welfare, strengthen institutional stability, and support sustained academic activity, offering renewed hope for uninterrupted academic calendars across federal universities.
