The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has voiced strong hope that its recently signed agreement with the Federal Government will usher in at least three years without industrial action in Nigeria's public universities.
The landmark pact, formally signed and unveiled on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, replaces the long-contentious 2009 agreement that repeatedly led to prolonged strikes over issues such as funding shortfalls, lecturer welfare, and non-implementation of prior commitments.
The new 2025 agreement (effective from January 1, 2026) focuses on enhancing the overall quality of university education and promoting lasting stability in the sector.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief program on Thursday, ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna emphasized the importance of proper implementation and ongoing oversight. He highlighted that the deal includes measurable components that can be tracked to address any emerging issues early.
“There are measurable aspects of the agreement, and we believe we can monitor it that way,” Prof. Piwuna stated. “If we monitor it, we can raise concerns before it gets to a head, and we hope that in three years’ time there will be no strike at all until this agreement is reviewed again.”
To ensure compliance, the agreement establishes an Implementation Monitoring Team housed at the National Universities Commission (NUC) and coordinated by the office of the NUC Executive Secretary. This team will oversee adherence to the terms and facilitate timely follow-up on commitments from both sides.
Prof. Piwuna clarified that the 2009 agreement is now considered historical and will no longer guide implementation. Instead, all references will point to the fresh 2025 pact, while certain elements of the earlier 1992 agreement (signed under Prof. Attahiru Jega) will serve only as historical context.
The development comes after years of disruptions caused by ASUU's demands for better funding for public universities, improved conditions for academic staff, and faithful execution of previous deals. With built-in mechanisms for monitoring and early intervention, both parties appear committed to breaking the cycle of strikes that have plagued the Nigerian university system.
The agreement is set for review after three years, offering a potential window of sustained industrial harmony and uninterrupted academic calendars for students nationwide.
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