The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have signed a new agreement aimed at improving the quality of Nigeria’s university education system and ensuring long-term stability in the sector.

The agreement, which replaces the 2009 pact that led to years of unresolved disputes and repeated industrial actions, was formally signed and unveiled on Wednesday at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall, Maitama, Abuja.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by top government officials and education stakeholders, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa; the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad; and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi.

Speaking at the event, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, said the union was cautiously optimistic about the new agreement, noting that past experiences with the Federal Government made ASUU hopeful but watchful.

“We are optimistic that the government will implement this agreement in totality, but pessimism still exists because of our history,” Prof. Piwuna said.

“It is our belief that Dr. Tunji Alausa will be different, and that our union will not need to issue a strike threat before any part of this agreement is implemented. As you always say, you are open and accessible; ASUU is also open and accessible.”

In his remarks, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the agreement as a major turning point for Nigeria’s tertiary education system, attributing the breakthrough 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 decisive turning point in the history of Nigeria’s tertiary education system,” Alausa said.

“Today’s agreement is a clear and unprecedented demonstration of the commitment of His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to quality education and an uninterrupted academic calendar for all Nigerian students in our tertiary institutions.”

Also speaking, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, stressed that the sincere and timely implementation of the agreement was crucial to sustaining industrial peace and restoring public confidence.

“I salute the Union for its maturity, perseverance, and patriotism while firmly presenting their concerns on pay and other critical issues. ASUU has demonstrated a willingness to engage constructively in the interest of students, parents, and the nation at large. This spirit of responsible unionism is vital for sustainable industrial relations,” Dingyadi said.

“Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, let us celebrate the unveiling of this agreement today. I strongly urge both parties to approach its implementation with sincerity, transparency, and a genuine spirit of partnership.

“Faithful and timely execution will not only build trust between the government and university staff but will also foster lasting industrial peace and restore confidence among students, parents, and the wider Nigerian public.

“Agreements gain true meaning not at the point of signing but through consistent and honest implementation.”

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse, also described the agreement as a major milestone toward the sustainable development of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

“This event marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards creating a strategic trajectory for the sustainable development of our tertiary institutions. Today, we are not just signing a document; we are securing a promising future for Nigeria—a commitment to our children, our academia, and our national destiny,” he said.

“Today’s agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities is more than a formality; it is a historic step for the nation’s future.

“It marks a major milestone in the journey towards a sustainable and robust tertiary education system, born from intense dialogue, shared frustrations, and a collective refusal to let our universities remain captive to recurrent crises.”

Highlighting key provisions of the agreement, the Minister of Education disclosed that the emoluments of university academic staff had been reviewed upward by 40 percent to improve morale, enhance service delivery, boost global competitiveness, and curb brain drain.

According to Alausa, the revised salary structure will include CONRAISS (Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure) and a consolidated academic tools allowance, with the 40 percent increase reflected through the tools allowance applicable exclusively to university academic staff.

He also announced the introduction of a new category of allowances known as “professorial cadre allowances.”

“For the first time, the FG has approved a new professorial cadre allowance that apply to senior academics at the level of full time professors and readers in our tertiary institutions,” he said.

“Let me emphasize clearly that these allowances apply strictly to full time and not part time professors and readers.

“This approval recognises the significant workload, administrative, scholarly and research responsibilities borne by academics at this level by the virtue of their profession and positions as professors or readers in our universities.”