FG Approves 40% Upward Review Of Salary For Varsity Lecturers

In a swift effort to curb incessant strike actions, ensure stability and growth in the university system, the Federal Government has
approved a 40% upward review of salary for university Lecturers and Professorial Cadre Allowance for full-time Professors and Readers in tertiary institutions.
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To this end, professors will receive an additional N1.8 million per annum, while academic readers would receive N840,000 per annum, towards supporting research coordination, academic documentation, correspondence, administrative efficiency, among others.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, disclosed this during the unveiling of the 2025 renegotiated agreement signed between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Abuja.

Dr Alausa stated that the key provision of the agreement was the review of the remuneration package of academic staff in federal tertiary institutions, as approved by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, with effect from January 1, 2026, aimed at
improving morale, enhance service delivery, boost global competitiveness and curb brain drain.
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“The 40 per cent review is represented through a consolidated academic tools allowance, which is peculiar to university academic staff and forms part of the salary structure.

“To this end, the consolidated academic tools allowance would cover journal publications, conference participation, internet access, learned society membership and book allowances”.
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‎On the Earned Academic Allowances, Dr. Olatunji said nine of them have now been clearly structured, transparently earned, and strictly tied to duties performed, thereby promoting productivity, accountability, and fairness.
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‎He said they consist of enhanced provisions for postgraduate supervision, fieldwork, clinical duties, moderation, examination responsibilities, and leadership roles within the tertiary education system.
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Earlier in a remark, the ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna commended President Tinubu and the Alhaji Ahmed Yayale led commitee for their commitment to ending decades of delays in the renegotiation process, noting that the agreement focused on conditions of service, funding, university autonomy and academic freedom, as well as other systemic reforms.

“Across our universities, there are repeated documented instances where vice chancellors (VCs) have been accused of mismanaging public resources, ranging from alleged corruption and contract irregularities to financial recklessness.

“These cases are not isolated anecdotes but mirror deeper governance weaknesses in the sector, where autonomy, accountability, and administrative culture intersect with personal conduct and institutional oversight.

Prof Piwuna while highlighting some challenges still affecting the University system, expressed optimism that the agreement would be implemented effectively to avert future academic interruption.

Nkiruka Okeke, Edited By Grace Namiji