The long-standing industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, may finally be coming to an end, following what has been described as a historic and symbolic signing of a new agreement between the Federal Government and the academic union.
The new pact signed on the 15th of January,2026 in Abuja addresses the three issues that have driven nearly two decades of conflict:pay,welfare and the structure of the University funding.
This development marks a major step in the negotiations and aimed to strengthen Nigeria’s public universities and ensure a stable academic calendar.
During the signing,the ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, highlighted that research funding and systemic reform remain crucial to the survival and relevance of Nigerian universities.
He warned that without adequate investment in research, universities risk becoming mere teaching institutions, unable to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Professor Piwuna disclosed that the agreement includes provisions for research and development funding and called on the National Assembly to urgently pass a bill that would allocate at least one percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product to research.
In his remarks, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, acknowledged that the negotiation process was challenging but productive, noting that sustained dialogue made the agreement possible.
He praised the negotiation team for their passion, integrity, and commitment to the education sector.
On his part,a public affairs analyst and academic from the University of Ilorin,Professor Gbade Ojo,lauded the development ,noting that effective implementation of the agreement would bring stability to the nation’s education sector.
While examining the deep impact of recurring ASUU strikes on Nigerian students,AlmondFM news spoke with some students who said the incessant industrial action affected their graduation timelines and led to loss of motivation for education.
Exploring the deep impact of the recurring Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strikes on Nigerian students….
Almond FM News spoke with Olusola John, a graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
He said “The ASUU strike disrupted my school academic calendar, which prolonged my graduation date. The prolonged strikes led to a loss of motivation and made it difficult for me to maintain a good reading habit during those periods.”
Similarly,
Dare Kolade currently running his program at the University of Ilorin make comments and said
“The prolonged strikes led to a loss of motivation to resume back to school after ASUU issues a month warning strike”
With the signing of this agreement, Nigerians
remain hopeful that the era of frequent disruptions in the nation’s university system will soon give way to stability, improved research capacity, and a stronger public education sector that meets global standards.
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