Tinubu Approves 40% Salary Increase for University Lecturers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a 40% salary increase for university lecturers, effective January 1, 2026. This decision was announced by Neda Imasuen, a senator representing Edo South, during a lecture at the 5th matriculation ceremony of the College of Medicine at the Mudiam University, Irrua, Edo State.

The salary increment follows a recent renegotiation of the federal government's agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The measure aims to improve the welfare of lecturers and discourage the migration of academic staff to foreign institutions, a phenomenon popularly known as the "Japa syndrome." Additionally, the federal government has released N2.3 billion to clear outstanding staff arrears, which is part of a broader agenda to restore financial stability within the university system.

Imasuen emphasized that these reforms are intended to enhance infrastructure development and research funding in the tertiary education sector.