The Federal Government has commenced the execution of major welfare components contained in its renegotiated pact with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), with salary-related benefits taking priority.
This development was disclosed in a statement released on Monday, the 9th of February, 2026, by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade.
The statement explained that the move underscores President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to honour commitments made to stakeholders in the education sector, while also preserving industrial peace across public universities.
According to the ministry, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced that the Federal Government has begun implementing a 40 per cent increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance (CAA) for ASUU members, effective from the 1st of January, 2026.
It further stated that the approved increment has already started reflecting in the salary payments of some federal universities.
The ministry added that arrangements are ongoing to ensure uniform compliance across all federal universities, noting that institutions have been officially informed to incorporate the increment into their payroll systems so that all eligible academic staff benefit accordingly.
“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, has announced that the Federal Government has fulfilled its obligation to implement the 40 per cent increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance for ASUU members, with effect from 1st January 2026, in line with the agreement reached with the union.
“Some federal universities have already begun reflecting the approved increase in their salary payments.
“To ensure uniform implementation nationwide, all Federal Universities are being formally notified to fully cascade the approved increment across their institutions and integrate it into their payroll structures so that all eligible academic staff benefit accordingly,” the statement read in part.
Dr Alausa also instructed vice chancellors to strictly adhere to the established framework for implementing the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA).
While issuing the directive, the minister highlighted the need for sound financial discipline, urging them “to make judicious use of available resources to ensure the successful rollout of the allowance.”
He further clarified that “the payment has already been captured and circularised by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, and that its inclusion in the 2026 budget is a formal statutory process.”
Calling for prompt action, Alausa urged university authorities to take proactive steps to ensure timely payment of the allowance in line with NSIWC guidelines, stressing that “timely implementation of both the CAA increase and CATA will strengthen the academic environment, enhance staff morale, and support improved outcomes in teaching, research, and learning across Nigerian universities.”
The Federal Government reaffirmed its determination to honour agreements reached with stakeholders in the education sector, while reiterating its commitment to constructive engagement, transparency and the continuous improvement of quality education nationwide.
It will be recalled that the Federal Government and ASUU, last month, unveiled a renegotiated agreement aimed at addressing long-standing disputes within Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
The 2025 agreement marked the culmination of a renegotiation process that began in 2017 to review the 2009 FG–ASUU agreement, which was originally scheduled for revision in 2012. Several committees constituted under previous administrations led by Wale Babalakin, Munzali Jibrin and Nimi Briggs were unable to conclude the process.
A breakthrough was eventually achieved under the current administration following the inauguration of the Yayale Ahmed-led renegotiation committee in October 2024.
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The agreement was finalised about 14 months later and centres on improved conditions of service, enhanced funding, university autonomy, academic freedom and broader reforms aimed at reversing sectoral decline, reducing brain drain and repositioning universities for national development.
One of the major highlights of the agreement is the 40 per cent upward review of the remuneration of academic staff in federal universities, effective from the 1st of January, 2026.
Under the revised structure, academic salaries will consist of the Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary alongside a Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, which accounts for the 40 per cent increment.
The tools allowance is intended to support key academic activities, including research, journal publications, conference participation, internet access, membership of learned societies and book procurement, with the overall aim of boosting productivity and curbing brain drain.
The agreement also reorganises nine earned academic allowances to enhance transparency and fairness by strictly linking payments to duties performed. These cover postgraduate supervision, fieldwork, clinical duties, examination responsibilities and leadership roles within the university system.
In addition, the Federal Government approved a new Professorial Cadre Allowance for senior academics for the first time. Under this provision, full-time Professors will receive ₦1.74 million annually, while Readers will earn ₦840,000 per annum a move described by the government as a structural and transformative intervention to recognise experience, enhance dignity and strengthen the academic profession.