FG Begins Payment of ASUU Allowances as Universities Implement 40% Salary Increase

The Federal Government has commenced the implementation of key welfare provisions contained in its renewed agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, signalling progress toward improved staff welfare and stability in Nigeria’s public university system.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, issued a directive to Vice-Chancellors of federal universities announcing a 40 percent increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance for academic staff, effective from January 1, 2026.

According to the minister, some federal universities have already reflected the increment in their salary payments, while others have been instructed to immediately integrate the new allowance structure into their payroll systems to ensure that all eligible academic staff benefit without delay.

Dr. Alausa reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of lecturers and restoring stability across Nigerian universities through the faithful implementation of agreements reached with stakeholders in the education sector.

He also emphasised strict compliance with the payment of the Consolidated Tools Allowance, noting that the allowance has been officially captured, circularised by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, and included in the 2026 federal budget.

University managements were urged to utilise available budgetary provisions to ensure prompt payment of the tools allowance in line with the approved guidelines.

The minister stated that the timely implementation of both the increased academic allowance and the tools allowance would boost staff morale, strengthen the academic environment, and improve the quality of teaching, research, and learning outcomes in federal universities.

He further assured that the Federal Government remains committed to constructive engagement with education stakeholders, transparency in implementation, industrial harmony, and continuous improvement of the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria.