FG APPROVES ₦1.8M ANNUAL ALLOWANCE FOR PROFESSORS, ₦870,000 FOR READERS

FG APPROVES ₦1.8M ANNUAL ALLOWANCE FOR PROFESSORS, ₦870,000 FOR READERS
Abuja, Nigeria — January 15, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially approved new annual allowances for senior academic staff in federal universities, granting ₦1.8 million per year to full-time professors and ₦870,000 per year to full-time readers as part of a broader drive to enhance lecturers’ welfare and strengthen the tertiary education system.
The announcement was made in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the unveiling of a renegotiated agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), aimed at ending recurring disputes and modernising academic remuneration and conditions of service.
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Key Highlights of the New Allowance Scheme
Professorial Cadre Allowance

• Full-time professors in federal universities will now receive an additional ₦1.8 million annually.
• Full-time readers (senior lecturers) will receive ₦870,000 annually under the new allowance structure.
  This benefit, known as the Professorial Cadre Allowance, specifically targets senior academics in recognition of their administrative, research and teaching responsibilities.
  
  Part of Broader Academic Pay Reforms
  The allowances form part of a landmark renegotiated agreement that also includes a 40 per cent upward review in total emoluments for all academic staff in federal universities — to take effect from January 1, 2026 — following approval by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
  Under the revised remuneration framework, the traditional Consolidated University Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONUASS) is now combined with an enhanced Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), which is designed to support lecturers with professional expenses including journal publications, conference participation, internet access, book purchases and society memberships.
  Fed Ministry of Information
  Restructuring of Earned Allowances
  In addition to the professorial allowance, nine previously earned academic allowances have been restructured, clearly defined and linked directly to duties performed — such as postgraduate supervision, fieldwork, clinical duties, examinations and academic leadership — in a bid to promote transparency, accountability and performance-based remuneration.
  Fed Ministry of Information
  Significance & Wider Context
• Historic Reform: The move marks a significant milestone in the long-standing negotiations between the Federal Government and ASUU, aimed at ending nearly two decades of disputes over lecturers’ welfare and conditions of service.
• Morale and Stability: By introducing enhanced allowances specifically targeted at senior academics, the government seeks to boost morale, curb brain drain, and retain top talent within Nigeria’s public university system.
• Implementation: The changes are expected to be rolled out in line with the newly signed agreement, with government officials reiterating commitment to full implementation and sustained engagement with ASUU to maintain industrial peace.
  Fed Ministry of Information
  Businessday NG
  Fed Ministry of Information
  What This Means
  Professors and senior academics gain significantly improved compensation linked to duties and responsibilities.
  University lecturers nationwide now have a clearer, more rewarding pay and allowance structure, which may help reduce strikes and improve academic output.
  The allowances reflect government recognition of the vital role of researchers and educators in national development and the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s higher education sector.