In a statement issued by Comrade Michael Oyewole, Chief Press Secretary to the NANS President, the student body voiced optimism that the pact would set Nigerian tertiary education on a stable and progressive trajectory.
“The National Association of Nigerian Students, under the leadership of Comrade Olushola Oladoja, heartily commends the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for the successful signing and unveiling of a new agreement that promises to usher in stability, improved welfare, and quality in our tertiary education system,” the statement said.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday at the TETFund Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja, replaces the outdated 2009 pact and addresses long-standing issues that have repeatedly disrupted academic calendars through industrial actions. Key provisions include a 40% upward review of academic staff salaries effective January 1, 2026, the introduction of consolidated academic tools allowances, and creation of professorial cadre allowances to recognize the critical roles of senior academics.
According to NANS, these measures are crucial for reversing brain drain, boosting lecturer morale, enhancing service delivery, and positioning Nigerian universities as globally competitive institutions.
Comrade Olushola Oladoja, NANS President, singled out President Bola Tinubu for his “unwavering commitment to quality education and uninterrupted academic calendars,” while also noting contributions from ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Labour and Employment Mohammed Dingyadi, and other dignitaries. Their involvement, he said, signals a renewed spirit of partnership and sincerity in implementation.
The statement highlighted NANS’ role in facilitating the breakthrough, emphasizing the association’s persistent advocacy for dialogue over disruption and consistent representation of student interests. By engaging stakeholders and maintaining pressure on government to deliver reforms, NANS said it contributed significantly to creating the environment necessary for this historic agreement.
While celebrating the milestone, the student body urged both parties to ensure faithful, timely, and transparent implementation, warning that any deviation could undermine public trust and stall progress. NANS affirmed its readiness to monitor the rollout and collaborate with stakeholders to safeguard the gains for millions of Nigerian students.
“This is indeed a turning point,” the statement concluded. “Together, we can build a tertiary education system that works for everyone—lecturers, students, parents, and the nation at large.”
The new agreement is expected to end the recurrent disruptions in Nigeria’s public universities and usher in a more stable academic calendar, marking a potentially transformative moment for tertiary education in the country.