Nigerian Professors Set to Earn Extra ₦1.8m Annually as FG, ASUU Seal Historic New Deal

After more than a decade and a half of negotiations, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have finally signed a new agreement that significantly improves the welfare of university academics across the country.

The landmark deal, concluded after 16 years of talks, introduces a comprehensive review of the remuneration package for academic staff in federal tertiary institutions. The revised salary structure, approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, will take effect from January 1, 2026.

At the heart of the agreement is a 40 per cent upward review of academic salaries, a move aimed at boosting morale, improving the quality of teaching and research, strengthening Nigeria’s global academic competitiveness and reducing the long-standing problem of brain drain.

Under the new arrangement, academic pay will be structured around the Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary (CONUASS) and the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA). The CATA component is designed to support core academic activities such as research publications, conference participation, internet access, book development and membership of professional bodies.

One of the most notable features of the agreement is the introduction of a new Professorial Cadre Allowance for senior academics.

Full professors will now earn an additional ₦1.8 million annually, translating to about ₦140,000 monthly, while readers will receive an extra ₦840,000 per year, or ₦70,000 monthly. This allowance applies strictly to full-time academics and is intended to recognize their research leadership, mentorship roles and administrative responsibilities.

The agreement also restructures nine Earned Academic Allowances, tying them directly to clearly defined duties. These include postgraduate supervision, fieldwork, clinical responsibilities, examination duties, moderation, and leadership roles. According to the government, this performance-based approach is meant to encourage productivity, accountability and fairness within the university system.

Officials say the restructured allowances will help senior scholars focus more on teaching, mentoring younger academics and driving innovation, while also improving research coordination and academic documentation across institutions.

For many university lecturers, the deal represents a long-awaited step toward restoring dignity to the profession and stabilizing Nigeria’s public university system. While implementation remains key, the agreement signals a renewed commitment by both the government and ASUU to address long-standing concerns in the education sector and rebuild confidence among academic staff nationwide.