By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
has shifted in the long standing standoff between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities with the signing of a renegotiated agreement intended to stabilise Nigeria’s public tertiary education system.
The agreement was signed and unveiled on Wednesday at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja, replacing the 2009 FG ASUU pact that triggered multiple industrial actions over unresolved issues.
The renegotiation was concluded in 2025 between a Federal Government committee and ASUU. The signing ceremony was presided over by the minister of education, Tunji Alausa, and the minister of state for education, Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, with several dignitaries in attendance.
Speaking at the unveiling, ASUU president, Chris Piwuna, said the union remains hopeful that the Federal Government will implement the agreement fully despite its history with past commitments.
“We are optimistic that the government will implement this agreement in totality, but pessimism still exists because of our history,” 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.”
Alausa described the renegotiated pact as a decisive turning point in the history of Nigeria’s tertiary education system and credited President Bola 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, urged both parties to approach implementation with sincerity, transparency and partnership, noting that faithful execution would foster lasting industrial peace.
“Agreements gain true meaning not at the point of signing but through consistent and honest implementation,” Dingyadi said.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse, described the agreement as a significant milestone for 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,” he said.
Alausa said key components of the agreement include a 40% upward review of the emoluments of university academic staff, represented through a consolidated academic tools allowance under CONRAISS.
He said the agreement also introduces professorial cadre allowances approved for full time professors and leaders in universities, stressing that the allowances apply strictly to full time academics.
“This approval recognises the significant workload, administrative, scholarly and research responsibilities borne by academics at this level,” he said.
