FG approves additional ₦1.8m annual allowance for professors, ₦870,000 for readers

The Federal Government has approved new annual allowances that will pay full-time professors in Nigerian universities an additional ₦1.8 million, while full-time readers will receive an extra ₦870,000 each year.

The allowances are part of a new agreement signed between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), marking a major overhaul of the remuneration and welfare framework for academic staff after nearly 17 years of disputes.

The agreement, unveiled by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, includes a 40 per cent upward review of total emoluments for academic staff in federal universities and will take effect from January 1, 2026, following approval by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

According to the minister, the review is aimed at improving staff morale, strengthening teaching and research quality, enhancing global competitiveness and addressing the persistent brain drain in Nigeria’s university system.

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Under the new structure, the Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary (CONUASS) has been revised and combined with a newly consolidated Academic Tools Allowance. The tools allowance is designed to cover professional expenses such as journal publications, conference participation, internet access, books and membership of learned societies.

The agreement also restructures Earned Academic Allowances into nine clearly defined categories, with payments strictly tied to duties performed. These include postgraduate supervision, fieldwork, clinical responsibilities, examination duties, moderation and academic leadership roles.

In addition, the government approved a dedicated Professorial Cadre Allowance for senior academics, applying to full-time professors and readers. Professors will receive ₦1.8 million annually under the scheme, while readers will earn ₦870,000 per year.

Government officials said the allowance recognises the expanded research, administrative and mentoring responsibilities of senior academics and is intended to support research coordination, documentation and academic administration.

Alausa described the agreement as a decisive step towards ending recurring industrial unrest in the university system, noting that negotiations over salaries and welfare had dragged on since 2009 and repeatedly disrupted academic calendars.

The minister said the government is committed to the full implementation of the agreement and sustained engagement with ASUU, adding that the deal provides a more transparent, work-based and sustainable compensation framework for university academics.

Oluwatosin Ogunjuyigbe is a writer and journalist who covers business, finance, technology, and the changing forces shaping Nigeria’s economy. He focuses on turning complex ideas into clear, compelling stories.

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