The newly renegotiated agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) introduces far-reaching welfare improvements for university lecturers, including full salary pensions for retired professors and extended maternity leave for female academics.
Under the pact, professors who retire from recognised public universities will now be entitled to pension benefits equal to 100 per cent of their annual salary. To qualify, such professors must have served continuously in a recognised university until attaining the mandatory retirement age, which the agreement fixes at 70 years for the professorial cadre.
The provision, contained in Section 3.6 of the 35-page document obtained by The Guardian, is aimed at strengthening post-retirement welfare and rewarding decades of teaching, research and administrative service. Stakeholders at the agreement’s unveiling in Abuja said the measure would boost morale, encourage career advancement, retain experienced scholars and help curb the ongoing brain drain, commonly referred to as the “Japa syndrome.” ASUU had earlier disclosed that at least 309 professors exited Nigeria’s public university system within one month in 2025.
In addition, Section 3.4 of the agreement, which addresses non-salary conditions of service, provides for a six-month maternity leave for eligible female academic staff, in line with existing Public Service Rules.
Another major highlight is the introduction of a new Professorial Cadre Allowance for full-time Professors and Readers. Professors will receive ₦1.74 million annually (₦140,000 monthly), while Readers will earn ₦840,000 per year (₦70,000 monthly). The allowance, which excludes part-time academics, is intended to enhance research coordination, academic documentation and administrative efficiency, allowing senior scholars to focus more on teaching, mentorship and innovation.
Speaking at the presentation of the renegotiated agreement, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described it as a historic milestone that signals renewed trust, restored confidence and a commitment to uninterrupted academic calendars. He said the agreement reflects President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to prioritise education and marks the first time a sitting president has fully taken ownership of the long-standing challenges facing Nigeria’s university system.
According to the minister, years of unresolved welfare issues and industrial disputes had undermined staff morale and disrupted academic activities, but the current administration chose dialogue and reform over delay. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to faithful implementation of the agreement and sustained engagement under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
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