The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has signed a fresh agreement with the Federal Government, concluding the long-running renegotiation of the 2010 pact and introducing sweeping changes to salaries, allowances, and working conditions of polytechnic lecturers across the country.
The agreement, signed on April 8, 2026, followed years of delays since the review became due in 2015. Negotiations had stalled multiple times before gaining momentum in late 2025 after renewed pressure from ASUP and the intervention of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who expanded the negotiation process to include polytechnic unions.
At the heart of the new deal is a major overhaul of academic staff remuneration.
A new Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) has been introduced at 40 percent of CONPCASS, replacing the previous 7 percent peculiar allowance. The CATA covers journal publications, research, learned society membership, conferences, internet access, and book support.
The agreement also details Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) across several categories:
- External Examiner/Moderator (Industrial Practice):
- Senior Lecturer: ₦84,000 (up to 50 candidates), ₦112,000 (above 50)
- Principal/Chief Lecturer: ₦84,000 (up to 50), ₦112,000 (above 50)
- External Assessment (Promotion):
- Principal Lecturer: ₦200,000 per assessment
- Chief Lecturer: ₦200,000 per assessment
- Responsibility Allowances (Annual / Monthly):
- Deputy Rector / Librarian: ₦588,000 (₦49,000 monthly)
- Deans/Directors: ₦420,000 (₦35,000 monthly)
- Vice Deans/Deputy Directors: ₦336,000 (₦28,000 monthly)
- Head of Department: ₦210,000 (₦17,500 monthly)
- Head of Unit / Hall Warden / Others: ₦105,000 (₦8,750 monthly)
- Examination Moderation (ND/HND):
- Up to 25 students: ₦50,000
- Above 50 students: ₦80,000
- Excess Workload:
- Principal/Chief Lecturer: ₦3,500 per hour
- Senior Lecturer: ₦3,500 per hour
- Lecturer I and below: ₦2,000 per hour
- Postgraduate Book Grants:
- Science-based: Master’s ₦450,000; PhD ₦600,000
- Non-science: Master’s ₦350,000; PhD ₦500,000
Beyond remuneration, the agreement introduces key structural and policy reforms.
On funding, the Federal Government will provide a ₦15 billion stabilization fund, to be released in three instalments of ₦5 billion annually between 2026 and 2028. Polytechnics are also expected to receive improved funding to meet the high cost of equipment and technical training.
In terms of governance, rectors are now to be appointed strictly from the rank of Chief Lecturer, must have at least 10 years’ experience in the polytechnic system, and will serve a single five-year tenure. Governing councils will also include budget monitoring committees with staff union representation.
The agreement further addresses the long-standing HND–degree dichotomy, with government committing to expedite its removal. Polytechnics are also set to adopt a dual mandate system, enabling them to award Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees alongside National Diplomas, and potentially run postgraduate programmes.
On career progression and welfare, the retirement age for Chief Lecturers has been increased to 70 years, while steps will be taken to merge the instructor cadre into the mainstream lecturing structure. Academic staff may also benefit from structured industrial exposure programmes to strengthen practical experience.
Both parties agreed that whenever there is a general increase in public sector salaries, polytechnic lecturers’ pay will be adjusted accordingly. The agreement will now be reviewed every three years, instead of the previous five-year cycle.
ASUP said the next phase will focus on implementation, including issuance of circulars, policy documents, and necessary legal amendments to ensure full compliance across federal, state, and private polytechnics.
The agreement takes effect from January 1, 2026.
