The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) are set to formalise a new agreement on Wednesday, January 14, in a move widely seen as a major step toward restoring lasting stability in Nigeria’s public university system.
The unveiling ceremony, aimed at strengthening the nation’s universities and preventing recurring industrial disputes, was announced in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.
According to the ministry, the event will take place at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja. It will be presided over by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad.
The agreement is the outcome of years of sustained engagement between the Federal Government and ASUU, following prolonged disputes over university funding, lecturers’ welfare, and the implementation of past agreements. Education officials say the new framework underscores the government’s commitment to resolving industrial conflicts through dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation.
The ministry noted that the agreement is expected to enhance industrial harmony, foster a more conducive academic environment, and restore confidence among students, lecturers, and the general public. It also aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places education at the centre of national development, human capital advancement, and socio-economic transformation.
Senior government officials, ASUU leaders, heads of tertiary institutions, development partners, and members of the media are expected to attend the unveiling.
The Federal Government has also begun the payment of previously withheld salaries of ASUU members, a development seen as a confidence-building measure ahead of the agreement.
ASUU’s dispute with the Federal Government has remained one of the most persistent challenges in Nigeria’s higher education sector. Since the landmark 2009 agreement, unresolved issues have triggered repeated strikes, disrupting academic calendars, delaying graduations, and pushing some students toward private or foreign universities.
The most recent major action occurred in October 2025, when ASUU embarked on a two-week nationwide strike—its 18th in 26 years—after issuing a 14-day ultimatum over unresolved demands. The strike was later suspended following overnight negotiations with the government.
Stakeholders now hope the January 14 agreement will mark a turning point, ushering in sustained peace and renewed focus on improving the quality of university education in Nigeria.