The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have unveiled a new renegotiated agreement aimed at resolving long-standing disputes that have repeatedly disrupted academic activities in Nigeria’s public universities.
The agreement, which was formally presented on Tuesday, is the outcome of years of negotiations to review the 2009 FG-ASUU agreement and address persistent issues bordering on lecturers’ welfare, university funding, autonomy and academic freedom.
Speaking at the unveiling, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the new deal represents a major step toward stabilising the nation’s university system and preventing the frequent strikes that have crippled academic calendars in the past. He noted that the agreement reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to dialogue and sustainable reforms in the education sector.
According to the minister, key components of the agreement include improved conditions of service for academic staff, enhanced funding mechanisms for universities, and clearer frameworks for earned academic allowances. He added that the deal also introduces a revised salary structure, including a proposed 40 per cent increase in lecturers’ remuneration, alongside improvements in research and academic support allowances.
Alausa credited President Bola Tinubu’s administration for prioritising education reforms and driving the negotiations to a logical conclusion, stressing that the government is determined to restore confidence in the public university system and curb the growing trend of brain drain.
ASUU representatives present at the event acknowledged the progress made, describing the agreement as a significant milestone after years of strained relations between the union and the government. They, however, emphasised the need for full and faithful implementation of all provisions to ensure lasting industrial peace.
The unveiling was attended by vice-chancellors of federal universities, top officials of the Ministry of Education and other key stakeholders, signalling broad institutional support for the agreement.
The development is expected to ease tensions in the university system and bring greater stability to academic activities nationwide, raising hopes among students and parents for uninterrupted learning in the coming years.
Punch Newspaper