Federal Government Begins Payment of 40% Allowance Increase to University Lecturers

The Federal Government has commenced the implementation of a key welfare provision in its renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, starting with a 40% increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance for lecturers.

This was announced in a statement on Monday by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade. The move fulfills part of the agreement reached with ASUU and underscores the administration’s commitment to maintaining industrial harmony in public universities.

According to the statement, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, confirmed that the increase took effect from January 1, 2026, and that several federal universities have already begun reflecting it in salary payments. The Ministry is taking steps to ensure uniform implementation across all institutions, directing vice-chancellors to integrate the increment into their payroll systems.

Minister Alausa emphasized the importance of prudent financial management in the rollout and clarified that the payment framework has been formalized by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and will be captured in the 2026 budget.

The allowance increase is a major outcome of a renegotiation process that concluded last month, aimed at resolving long-standing disputes in the university sector. The new agreement restructures remuneration to include a Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, designed to support research, publications, and other core academic activities.

Additionally, the pact introduces a new Professorial Cadre Allowance, with full professors set to receive ₦1.74 million annually, and readers ₦840,000, as a measure to recognise seniority and curb brain drain.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to honoring all agreements with education sector stakeholders to promote transparency and improve the quality of education nationwide.