The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have finally signed the renegotiated 2009 agreement, ending years of protracted talks, strikes, and salary stoppages.
The agreement was signed in Abuja by the Chairman of the Federal Government Renegotiation Team, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, and the President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna.
According to ASUU, the signing followed several failed renegotiation attempts after the original 2009 agreement, which was due for review in 2012. However, successive governments failed to conclude the process.
ASUU Confirms Agreement Through Circular
Prof. Piwuna confirmed the development in a circular dated December 24, 2025. He addressed the circular to ASUU zonal coordinators and branch chairpersons nationwide.
The circular, titled “Update on the Conclusion of the Renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement,” described the deal as the outcome of a prolonged process that began in 2017.
“After years of negotiations, threats of strikes, and strike actions, our collective efforts have finally paid off,” Piwuna stated.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
According to ASUU, the agreement aims to revitalise Nigeria’s university system. Therefore, it focuses on funding, conditions of service, university autonomy, and academic freedom.
Under conditions of service, the agreement provides a 40 percent upward review of academic staff salaries. In addition, it reaffirms pension provisions under existing laws.
Notably, professors will now earn a pension equivalent to their annual salary upon retirement at age 70, subject to defined service requirements.
Funding, Research, and Autonomy
On funding, Piwuna explained that the agreement introduces a new budgeting template. As a result, it recognises university peculiarities and allocates specific percentages to libraries, research, equipment, laboratories, and staff development.
A major highlight is the proposal to establish a National Research Council. According to ASUU, the council will receive funding of not less than 1 percent of Nigeria’s GDP to boost innovation and research capacity.
The agreement also strengthens university autonomy. Moreover, it mandates merit-based governance and elected academic leadership. Provosts and deans of postgraduate schools will now be elected, with only professors eligible to contest.
Implementation Begins January 2026
Piwuna disclosed that the agreement will take effect from January 1, 2026. He added that both parties will review the deal after three years.
Importantly, the agreement guarantees that no staff member will face victimisation for participating in the renegotiation process.
ASUU Hails Negotiation Team, Urges Wider Talks
The ASUU president commended Alhaji Yayale Ahmed and members of the renegotiation team for their commitment. He also praised the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for pushing the process to completion.
Furthermore, Piwuna urged the Federal Government to fast-track negotiations with other university unions, including SSANU, NASU, and NAAT, to ensure smooth university administration.
ASUU also acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Labour Congress and thanked its members for their patience throughout the long renegotiation process.
