FG begins implementation of renegotiated ASUU agreement with 40% allowance increase for lecturers

2026-02-10 - 09:38

The Federal Government has started rolling out key welfare provisions from its renegotiated 2025 agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), including a 40 percent increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance (CAA) for academic staff in federal universities, effective January 1, 2026. Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa announced the development in a statement and directive issued to vice-chancellors on Monday, February 9, 2026. The move follows the signing of the updated agreement on January 14, 2026, after intensive negotiations concluded in 2025 aimed at preventing recurring strikes and improving conditions in public universities. “The Federal Government has fulfilled its obligation under the agreement by approving the 40 percent consolidated academic allowance (CAA) increase for ASUU members, with effect from January 1, 2026,” Alausa stated. He noted that some federal universities have already begun reflecting the increment in salary payments, with steps underway to ensure uniform application nationwide. All vice-chancellors have been formally directed to integrate the increase into their payroll systems so eligible academic staff can benefit promptly. The minister also emphasized strict compliance with the implementation framework for the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), describing it as tax-free and already captured and circularized by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC). Its inclusion was processed through standard statutory channels and reflected in the 2026 budget. “Timely implementation of both the CAA increase and CATA will strengthen the academic environment, boost staff morale, and improve outcomes in teaching, research, and learning across Nigerian universities,” Alausa added. The government reiterated its commitment to honoring agreements with education sector stakeholders, promoting transparency, industrial harmony, and ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of higher education under the Renewed Hope Agenda.