FG, ASUU Unveil New University Agreement to End Prolonged Strikes

The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have presented a newly renegotiated agreement designed to address long-standing disagreements that have repeatedly interrupted academic activities in Nigeria’s public universities.

The agreement, officially unveiled on Tuesday, is the result of prolonged discussions to review the 2009 FG-ASUU pact and tackle enduring concerns relating to lecturers’ welfare, university funding, institutional autonomy and academic freedom.

At the presentation, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described the deal as a major move toward stabilising the country’s university system and reducing the recurrence of strikes that have disrupted academic calendars over the years. He said the agreement demonstrates the Federal Government’s resolve to pursue dialogue-driven and sustainable reforms within the education sector.

According to the minister, the agreement covers improved conditions of service for academic staff, strengthened funding models for universities and clearer guidelines for earned academic allowances. He noted that it also provides for a revised salary structure, including a proposed 40 per cent increase in lecturers’ pay, as well as enhancements to research and academic support allowances.

Alausa credited President Bola Tinubu’s administration with placing education reform high on its agenda and steering the negotiations to a conclusion, adding that the government is committed to rebuilding trust in the public university system and addressing the rising problem of brain drain.

ASUU officials in attendance acknowledged the progress achieved, describing the agreement as an important breakthrough after years of tense relations between the union and the government. They, however, stressed that full and sincere implementation of all terms is essential to achieving lasting industrial harmony.

Vice-chancellors of federal universities, senior officials from the Ministry of Education and other key stakeholders attended the unveiling, reflecting wide institutional backing for the agreement.

The new development is expected to reduce tension within the university system and promote greater stability in academic activities nationwide, offering renewed hope to students and parents for uninterrupted learning in the years ahead.