Federal government says it has begun implementing a 40% increase in allowances for lecturers in public universities, following a renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The agreement, signed in January, is aimed at improving staff welfare and preventing the frequent strikes that have disrupted Nigeria’s university system in recent years.
In a statement on Monday, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the government had approved the increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance (CAA) for ASUU members, with effect from 1 January 2026.
He said some federal universities had already started paying the increased allowances, while steps were being taken to ensure that the policy is implemented uniformly across all institutions.
Mr Alausa added that vice-chancellors had been formally instructed to integrate the new allowance structure into their payroll systems so that all eligible academic staff benefit.
The minister also directed university managements to comply strictly with the framework for the payment of the Consolidated Tools Allowance (CATA), another component of the agreement.
According to him, funding for the allowance payments has been captured in the 2026 federal budget, following approval by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
Mr Alausa said the measures were expected to improve staff morale and strengthen teaching, research and learning outcomes across Nigerian universities.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to honouring agreements reached with education sector unions and pledged continued engagement to maintain industrial harmony.
ASUU has long complained about poor pay and working conditions, with disputes over funding and welfare repeatedly leading to prolonged strikes that affect millions of students nationwide.
