The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has announced the successful conclusion of its 2026 renegotiation exercise with the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), unveiling a comprehensive agreement aimed at improving staff welfare, strengthening academic structures, and repositioning Colleges of Education across the country.
In a detailed briefing issued by the union’s national leadership on April 8, 2026, COEASU described the agreement as a major step forward after prolonged engagements and negotiations with government representatives.
At the heart of the deal is the retention of the CONPCASS salary structure, alongside the introduction of a new Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance pegged at 40 percent of basic salary. The agreement also provides for Earned Academic Allowances and other responsibility-based incentives, with a proposed transition to a seven-rung salary structure designed to enhance career progression for academic staff.
The pact further reinforces the dual mandate of Colleges of Education, affirming their authority to award both NCE and degree qualifications. Under the new arrangement, degree programmes will run for a minimum of five years, while closer collaboration between regulatory bodies is expected to ensure smooth implementation.
In what many observers consider a landmark development, the agreement approves the establishment of a professorial cadre within Colleges of Education—a move widely seen as a response to longstanding concerns over career stagnation and the persistent loss of experienced academics to universities.
On governance, both parties agreed on the full implementation of the Federal Colleges of Education Act 2023, including democratic processes for appointing Heads of Department.
Funding also featured prominently in the agreement. The government has committed to improved financial support through budgetary allocations, needs assessment interventions, and TETFund. Notably, a ₦15 billion Stabilization Fund is to be disbursed over a three-year period from 2026 to 2028 to support the sector.
Students were not left out of the reforms. The agreement introduces a ₦30,000 monthly stipend for students during teaching practice, alongside improved funding for supervision and logistics tied to the programme.
To ensure accountability, a monitoring framework has been put in place, including the reconstitution of visitation panels with COEASU representation and the creation of an implementation monitoring committee.
Other provisions address staffing structures for new colleges, the integration of demonstration school staff, and a review of campus security arrangements.
COEASU leadership noted that the agreement will be subject to review every three years, with the next round scheduled for 2029, while salary adjustments will align with broader changes in the civil service.
Describing the outcome as a “significant milestone,” the union urged its members nationwide to remain united and committed to ensuring full implementation of the agreement.
Analysts say the success of the pact will ultimately depend on the government’s consistency in execution, a factor that has historically shaped the impact of similar agreements in Nigeria’s education sector.
