FG Rolls Out 40% Allowance Boost for University Lecturers Under New ASUU Pact

The Federal Government has begun implementing key welfare provisions contained in its renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), including a 40 per cent increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance (CAA) for lecturers.

The agreement, signed on January 14, followed extensive negotiations between a government committee and ASUU leadership in 2025, aimed at addressing the persistent industrial disputes that have disrupted Nigeria’s public university system.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, confirmed that the government had fulfilled its obligation by approving the 40 per cent CAA increase for ASUU members, effective from January 1, 2026.

Alausa disclosed that some federal universities have already begun reflecting the approved increment in salary payments, while measures are underway to ensure uniform implementation across all federal institutions.

He said vice-chancellors have been formally directed to cascade the allowance increase within their universities and integrate it into their payroll systems to ensure that all eligible academic staff benefit from the new arrangement.

The minister also instructed vice-chancellors to adhere strictly to the implementation framework for the Consolidated Tools Allowance (CATA), urging prudent management of available resources to guarantee timely payment.

According to him, the CATA payment has already been captured and circularised by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), and its inclusion in the 2026 budget followed the required statutory procedures.

Alausa expressed confidence that the prompt implementation of both the CAA increase and CATA would enhance staff morale, strengthen the academic environment, and improve teaching, research and learning outcomes in Nigerian universities.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to honouring agreements reached with stakeholders in the education sector and pledged sustained engagement, transparency and industrial harmony to advance the quality of education nationwide.