The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) officially concluded the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement on December 23, 2025. This breakthrough follows years of industrial disputes and is intended to revitalize the nation's higher education sector and improve the welfare of academic staff.

A central component of the new deal is a 40% salary increase for academic staff and enhanced pension benefits. Notably, the agreement ensures that professors will receive pensions equivalent to their final annual salaries upon retirement at age 70. Additionally, the government committed to a new funding model for universities, which includes dedicated allocations for research, laboratories, and staff development, alongside the establishment of a National Research Council funded by at least 1% of the national GDP.

The agreement also addresses university autonomy, academic freedom, and internal governance. It stipulates that academic leadership roles such as Deans and Provosts must be elected from among professors. Furthermore, it eliminates the pyramidal staff structure, allowing for promotions based on research output and merit rather than available vacancies. To support institutional resources, the government approved duty-free importation of essential academic materials and renewable energy equipment.

Set to take effect on January 1, 2026, the agreement will be subject to a comprehensive review every three years. ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, expressed optimism regarding the deal but urged the government to ensure immediate implementation and extend similar negotiations to other university unions to maintain long-term stability across the sector.