Re: Federal Government, Lecturers End 16-Year Renegotiation Crisis
Adesanya-Davies Hails FG/ASUU Agreement as a Turning Point for Nigeria’s Education Sector
The Nigerian academic community and stakeholders in the education sector have received with cautious optimism the announcement that the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have finally reached an agreement, bringing to an end a protracted 16-year renegotiation crisis that has repeatedly destabilized the nation’s public university system.
The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have finally concluded the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, bringing an end to a 16-year stalemate. The agreement, reached on December 23, 2025, is set to take effect from January 1, 2026, and will be reviewed after three years.
Key highlights of the agreement include:
– *40% Salary Increase*: Academic staff in Nigerian public universities will receive a 40% salary increase.
– *Improved Pension Benefits*: Professors will earn pensions equivalent to their annual salaries upon retirement at the age of 70.
– *University Funding Model*: A new funding model with dedicated allocations for research, libraries, laboratories, equipment, and staff development.
– *National Research Council*: Establishment of a National Research Council to fund research activities with at least 1% of Nigeria’s GDP.
– *University Autonomy*: Strengthened university autonomy and academic freedom.
Reacting to this development, Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, eminent scholar, educationist, and public affairs analyst, has commended both parties for demonstrating the maturity, patience, and willingness to dialogue that ultimately led to this long-awaited breakthrough.
According to Prof. Adesanya-Davies, the agreement represents a historic turning point in Nigeria’s higher education governance, especially given the devastating impact that repeated strikes, broken agreements, and policy inconsistencies have had on students, parents, lecturers, and the nation’s global academic reputation.
«“A 16-year renegotiation crisis is not just an industrial relations failure; it is a national tragedy. Therefore, any sincere effort that finally prioritizes dialogue over brinkmanship must be acknowledged and encouraged,” she stated.»
She noted that Nigerian universities have suffered immeasurable damage over the years, including academic calendar instability, brain drain, declining research output, infrastructural decay, and loss of confidence in public tertiary education. Students, she emphasized, have been the greatest victims—forced to spend six to seven years on four-year programmes, while parents bear the financial and emotional burden of uncertainty.
Prof. Adesanya-Davies further praised ASUU for remaining consistent in its core demands over the years, which, according to her, have largely centered on the survival of the Nigerian university system, rather than personal gain.
«“Contrary to popular misinformation, ASUU’s demands have always focused on funding, university autonomy, staff welfare, research capacity, and the protection of academic standards. These are foundational issues that affect national development,” she said.»
She also acknowledged the Federal Government’s renewed disposition toward engagement, compromise, and reform, urging it to go beyond agreements on paper to faithful and timely implementation.
«“Nigeria does not suffer from a lack of agreements; it suffers from a lack of implementation. This agreement must not become another document archived and forgotten. The credibility of government is now on trial,” Prof. Adesanya-Davies warned.»
While hailing the agreement, she stressed that sustainable industrial peace in the education sector can only be achieved if the Federal Government institutionalizes structured, periodic renegotiations, inflation-indexed salary reviews, and transparent funding mechanisms for universities.
She further called for:
– Immediate release of agreed funds to universities
– Clear timelines for implementation milestones
– Legislative backing for future agreements
– Protection of university autonomy
– Investment in research, innovation, and staff development
Prof. Adesanya-Davies also urged students, parents, and civil society to remain vigilant and engaged, emphasizing that education is a collective national responsibility, not a bargaining chip.
«“A nation that toys with the future of its universities toys with its own survival. Nigeria cannot afford another lost generation of students,” she added.»
ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, expressed optimism about the agreement, calling on the government to implement it without delay. The agreement aims to improve working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare, ultimately enhancing the quality of education in Nigerian universities.
In conclusion, Prof. Adesanya-Davies described the FG–ASUU agreement as a fragile but hopeful beginning, calling on all stakeholders to act in good faith to ensure that Nigerian universities regain their rightful place as centers of excellence in Africa and beyond.
«“Let this agreement mark the end of avoidable crises and the beginning of a genuine national recommitment to education as a public good and strategic investment,” she concluded.»
Signed:
Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Educationist | Public Affairs Analyst
Nigeria
Reference
Federal Government, Lecturers End 16-yr Renegotiation Crisis https://share.google/XJ4eTlzw9i5E7phUV
