FG implements ASUU salary increase 2026, boosting Consolidated Academic Allowance and tools allowance to enhance teaching, research and morale

The Federal Government has begun implementing key welfare provisions of its renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, including a 40 per cent increase in salary-related allowances.

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A statement issued on Monday by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, confirmed that the increment takes effect from 1 January 2026, with some federal universities already reflecting the increase in salary payments.

The Ministry of Education said all federal universities have been formally notified to integrate the increment into their payroll systems, ensuring that eligible academic staff benefit uniformly.

“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, effective 1st January 2026,” the statement read.

Dr Tunji Alausa directed vice chancellors to ensure strict compliance with the framework for implementing the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), urging prudent financial management to guarantee successful rollout.

He further clarified that the payment has been captured and circularised by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, with inclusion in the 2026 budget as part of a formal statutory process.

“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,” Dr Alausa added.

The announcement follows the 2025 renegotiated FG–ASUU agreement, aimed at resolving long-standing disputes in the tertiary education sector.

The agreement concluded a process that began in 2017 to review the 2009 pact, which had remained unresolved under several past administrations.

The breakthrough came under the current administration, with the Yayale Ahmed-led renegotiation committee delivering the agreement after 14 months of consultations.

The pact focuses on improved conditions of service, funding, university autonomy, academic freedom, and broader reforms to reverse sectoral decay, curb brain drain, and reposition universities for national development.

Under the new structure, salaries now comprise the Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary and a Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, which accounts for the 40 per cent increment.

The tools allowance supports research, journal publications, conference participation, internet access, learned society membership, and book procurement.

The agreement also restructures nine earned academic allowances to promote transparency and fairness by tying payments to duties performed.

These include postgraduate supervision, fieldwork, clinical responsibilities, examination duties, and leadership roles within the university system.

Additionally, the Federal Government approved a new Professorial Cadre Allowance for senior academics for the first time, with full-time Professors earning ₦1.74 million annually and Readers ₦840,000 per annum.

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The government described this intervention as a transformative measure to recognise experience, enhance dignity, and strengthen the academic profession.