FG, ASUU sign landmark agreement to stabilize Nigerian university system

In a significant development for Nigeria’s higher education sector, the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Wednesday signed a new agreement aimed at improving the quality of university education and ensuring stability in academic calendars.

The signing ceremony was held at the TETFund Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja, and attended by key dignitaries, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad.

The new pact replaces the 2009 agreement, which had been a source of repeated industrial action due to unresolved issues between ASUU and the government.

The 2026 agreement is intended to address long-standing concerns around funding, infrastructure, and working conditions in public universities.

Speaking at the event, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, expressed cautious optimism. “We are hopeful that the government will implement this agreement in full, but given our history, some degree of skepticism remains,” he said.

“Our aim is to ensure that strikes are no longer necessary to secure the rights of academic staff or the welfare of students.”

Minister of Education Dr. Alausa described the agreement as a “decisive turning point” for Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to uninterrupted learning and quality education for making the deal possible. “This occasion symbolises renewed trust, restored confidence, and a pivotal moment in the history of Nigerian tertiary education,” he said.

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Education analysts say the agreement could significantly reduce industrial disputes in public universities if fully implemented, allowing students to complete their programs on time and improving the overall learning environment.

Dr. Ngozi Eze, a higher education policy expert in Abuja, commented: “If executed faithfully, this pact could mark the end of the cyclical strike culture that has plagued Nigerian universities for decades. It’s a major step toward modernising our tertiary institutions and retaining academic talent.”

The agreement focuses on strengthened collaboration between ASUU and the Federal Government, improved policy implementation, better infrastructure development, and consistent funding for universities. It is expected to create an environment where students can pursue their studies without disruption, ultimately boosting the nation’s human capital development.

Experts note that the success of the pact will largely depend on sustained political will, transparent implementation of agreed-upon provisions, and continuous engagement with stakeholders to address emerging challenges.