FG begins implementation of renegotiated ASUU agreement, approves 40% allowance increase
The federal government has begun implementing major welfare provisions contained in its renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The agreement, signed on January 14, was aimed at resolving persistent industrial actions in Nigeria’s public university system and followed extensive renegotiations between a government committee and ASUU leaders, concluded in 2025.
In a statement issued on Monday, Tunji Alausa, minister of education, said the federal government has met a key obligation under the deal by approving a 40 percent increase in the consolidated academic allowance (CAA) for ASUU members, effective from January 1, 2026.
Alausa disclosed that some federal universities have already begun applying the approved increment in staff salaries, adding that measures are underway to ensure consistent implementation across all federal institutions.
He said vice-chancellors have been officially directed to fully implement the allowance increase within their universities and ensure it is properly integrated into their payroll systems so that all qualified academic staff benefit.
The minister also instructed vice-chancellors to adhere strictly to the approved implementation framework for the consolidated tools allowance (CATA), urging them to manage available funds prudently to guarantee timely payments.
According to Alausa, payment of the CATA has already been captured and circulated by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), noting that its inclusion in the 2026 budget followed due statutory procedures.
He added that prompt implementation of both the CAA increase and CATA would help enhance the academic environment, raise staff morale, and improve teaching, research, and learning outcomes across Nigerian universities.
Alausa reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to honouring agreements with education sector stakeholders, pledging continued dialogue, transparency, industrial peace, and sustained efforts to improve the quality of education nationwide.