The Federal Government has begun implementing key welfare components of its renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), approving a 40 per cent increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance (CAA) for lecturers in federal universities, effective 01 January 2026.
The development was announced on Monday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, in a statement and formal directive issued to vice-chancellors across federal universities. The directive follows the signing of the updated ASUU–FG agreement on January 14, 2026, after months of negotiations concluded in 2025 aimed at stabilizing the university system and preventing recurrent industrial action.
According to Alausa, the approval marks the Federal Government’s fulfilment of a major obligation under the new agreement.
“The Federal Government has fulfilled its obligation under the agreement by approving the 40 percent consolidated academic allowance (CAA) increase for ASUU members, with effect from January 1, 2026,” the minister said.
Alausa disclosed that some federal universities have already begun reflecting the increased allowance in salary payments, while others are in the process of updating their payroll systems. He directed all vice-chancellors to ensure immediate and uniform implementation so that eligible academic staff across the country benefit without delay.
The minister stressed that delays or selective application would not be tolerated, noting that the government expects strict adherence to the agreement’s implementation timeline.
Beyond the salary adjustment, Alausa also addressed the implementation of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), another key provision of the renegotiated agreement. He explained that CATA remains tax-free and has already been duly captured, circularized and approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
He added that the allowance was processed through all statutory channels and fully incorporated into the 2026 federal budget, clearing the way for seamless disbursement.
“The implementation framework for CATA is clear. It is tax-exempt, properly approved, and already reflected in the 2026 budget,” the minister said.
The renegotiated agreement is widely seen as part of the government’s broader effort to end the cycle of strikes that have frequently disrupted Nigeria’s public university system over the past decade. ASUU has repeatedly cited poor welfare, unmet agreements and funding shortfalls as reasons for industrial action.
Education sector analysts say the allowance increase could help ease tensions, boost morale among lecturers and create a more stable academic calendar if fully and consistently implemented.
Alausa echoed this sentiment, describing the rollout as a strategic investment in the future of higher education.
“Timely implementation of both the CAA increase and CATA will strengthen the academic environment, boost staff morale, and improve outcomes in teaching, research and learning across Nigerian universities,” he said.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to honouring agreements reached with education sector unions, stressing that transparency, dialogue and industrial harmony remain central to its approach.
Officials said the move aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes reforms in education, human capital development and institutional stability.
While ASUU has yet to issue a formal response to the latest rollout, observers say the practical implementation of the agreement, rather than promises, will determine whether lasting peace is achieved in Nigeria’s public universities.
