The update was contained in a report signed by ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, and published on the union’s official Facebook page on Tuesday. The renegotiation process, led by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, covered seven major thematic areas.
University Autonomy, Governance
According to ASUU, the Federal Government has agreed to uphold full university autonomy as provided by extant laws governing the Senate, Governing Councils and internal academic regulations. It was also agreed that administrative circulars inconsistent with university laws would no longer apply.
Both parties further resolved that vice-chancellors must be appointed strictly on merit, dismissing rising calls for host-community indigenes to be given preference. Membership of university governing councils will now strictly reflect the Universities Miscellaneous Provisions Act, ensuring persons of high integrity and deep knowledge of university culture are appointed.
Under the new framework, departments will elect their heads, while deans, sub-deans and provosts will be chosen through internal democratic processes. Staff and student recruitment policies must also promote national and international diversity.
Funding and Budgeting
A needs-based budgeting model was approved to address longstanding gaps in university capital and recurrent spending. The Federal Government committed to strengthening research activities by ensuring universities benefit fully from National Research Council interventions, and by encouraging private companies to invest in research and development.
The parties also agreed to protect university land assets and explore innovative tax mechanisms—requiring both legislation and executive action—to ensure sustainable funding of public tertiary institutions.
Administrative Matters
ASUU noted that statutory bodies such as the Senate and Congregation will remain constituted according to existing laws. Pre-degree programmes will focus strictly on science and under-enrolled fields.
The controversial pyramidal staff structure was abolished, with promotions now tied to productivity and research output rather than vacancy availability. Universities were also granted approval for duty-free importation of essential academic and laboratory materials, including books, teaching tools and energy equipment.
Implementation Strategy
Immediate implementation priorities include establishing a monitoring unit under the National Universities Commission (NUC), forming an implementation committee, amending relevant legislation, and releasing funds to fulfil government obligations. The agreement will be reviewed every three years.
It was also agreed that academic salaries will automatically be adjusted whenever public sector wages are reviewed.
Salary Structure, Earned Allowances
ASUU disclosed that government’s initial wage proposals were rejected as inadequate, leading to further negotiation. A revised salary structure comparable to the Nimi Briggs Committee recommendations was eventually proposed. Though slightly higher for some academic levels and lower for others, ASUU’s National Executive Council agreed to accept the offer to avoid further stagnation.
For earned academic allowances, universities will pay an annual amount equivalent to 12% of their allocated academic staff wage bill, to be funded through the national budget.
The agreement also includes a non-victimisation clause to protect all negotiators and participants involved in the process.
