The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have signed a new agreement aimed at improving the quality of the university education system and ensuring stability.
The new agreement replaces the 2009 pact that triggered several industrial actions over unresolved issues.
Some key components of the newly signed agreement includes the emolument of university academic staff which has been reviewed upwards by 40% to enhance the morale, improve the quality of service delivery and global competitiveness of Nigeria tertiary education institution and also to reverse brain drain.
The signing and unveiling of the agreement took place on Wednesday at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja.
Speaking at the unveiling of the agreement, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, said that despite the union’s history with the Federal Government, it remains optimistic that things will be different this time.
He expressed hope that the union would not need to issue a strike threat before the Federal Government implements the agreement reached by both parties.
“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.”
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the new agreement with ASUU as a decisive turning point in the history of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
He credited the agreement to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s deliberate commitment to quality education and an uninterrupted academic calendar for students in tertiary institutions across the country.
“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.”
According to the minister, the salary structure will comprise the CONRAISS (Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure) and the consolidated academic tools allowance.
He added that the 40% review will be represented by the consolidated academic tools allowance, and is peculiar to university academic staff.
Alausa explained that within the new agreement, the President created another 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 leaders in our tertiary institutions
“Let me emphasize clearly that these allowances apply strictly to full time and not part time professors and leaders.
“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 leaders in our universities,” he said.
For the Chairman, Senate Committee On Tertiary Institutions And TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse, the new agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU represents a significant milestone for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, emphasized the spirit of partnership between both parties in the area of implementation.
He noted that the timely execution of the agreement’s terms would foster lasting industrial peace and restore confidence among students, parents, and the wider Nigerian public.
