The federal government has released N2.3 billion to federal universities to clear salary and promotion arrears, reaffirming its commitment to improving academic staff welfare and sustaining dialogue with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this yesterday while giving an update on the government’s ongoing engagement with ASUU and other university-based unions.
He said the disbursement, processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), demonstrates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s determination to resolve lingering welfare and funding concerns in the education sector.
“A total of N2.311 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, has been released through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to universities. Benefiting institutions should begin to receive payment alerts anytime from now,” Alausa said.
He further explained that the government is in the final stages of releasing third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to the Nigeria University Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO), expected to be concluded within days.
The minister also announced plans to fully integrate the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries from 2026.
“This will ensure prompt, predictable, and sustainable payments going forward,” he said, adding that funds under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities have also been released, with budgetary allocations made to maintain the initiative.
Alausa reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing long-standing issues through open dialogue.
“While the government remains committed to improving staff welfare, it will only enter into agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable,” he said.
He noted that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to serve as an effective bridge between the government and the unions of tertiary institutions. “Negotiations are ongoing in a sincere, mutual, and respectful manner,” he added.
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