The Federal Government has started putting into effect key welfare benefits agreed with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), including improved pay allowances.
In a statement released on Monday, the Ministry of Education said the move shows President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to keeping promises made to education workers and maintaining peace in public universities.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced that the 40 percent increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance for university lecturers took effect from January 1, 2026. He confirmed that some federal universities have already started paying the increased amount.
The ministry said all federal universities have been officially informed to include the new allowance in their payrolls so that every eligible academic staff member benefits.
Dr. Alausa also instructed vice chancellors to strictly follow the approved guidelines for implementing the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance. He urged university managers to handle available funds carefully to ensure smooth payment.
The minister explained that the allowance has already been approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and included in the 2026 budget. He added that prompt payment would improve staff morale and strengthen teaching, research, and learning in Nigerian universities.
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The Federal Government restated its commitment to honouring agreements with education stakeholders and improving the quality of higher education across the country.
The new welfare package is part of a renegotiated agreement reached last year between the government and ASUU to resolve long-standing issues in the university system. The agreement followed several failed attempts since 2017 to review the 2009 FG–ASUU pact.
Under the new deal, academic staff salaries were reviewed upward by 40 per cent from January 1, 2026. The structure now includes a basic salary and a tools allowance meant to support research, publications, conferences, internet access, and other academic activities.
The agreement also reorganised several earned allowances to ensure payments are tied to actual duties. In addition, the government approved a new Professorial Cadre Allowance, which will see Professors earn ₦1.74 million yearly, while Readers will receive ₦840,000 annually.
