FGN/ASUU Unveil New Renegotiated 2025 Agreement

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

For sixteen years, the 2009 Agreement between the federal government and the academic staff union of universities was like a ghost that haunted the academic community due to lack of implementation. But as of January 1st, a new document takes flight, the 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement which promises billions in research, a 40% pay bump, and a shield for university autonomy.

There have been several others like this different committees, different governments but same grievances and the question on every mind now is whether this is true transformation or just another temporal ceasefire.

But the minister of education assures that the 2025 Agreement, signed under the renewed hope mandate, attempts to fix the structural decay as it targets not only issues of welfare but tackling brain drain and funding for intensive research as the government aims to turn these institutions into innovative hubs for export

However, a shadow still hovers as ASUU insists that systemic failure, university autonomy and appointment of unqualified persons to lead academic councils must be looked into to avert internal crisis.

Transparency is the new watchword for all, as a three year mandatory review cycle has been encapsulated into the law to ensure accountability across institutions and agencies concerned.