The Federal Government has announced the disbursement of ₦2.3 billion to settle salary and promotion arrears owed to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university-based unions across Nigeria.
In a statement released on Wednesday by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, it was confirmed that the payment was facilitated through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF).
According to the statement, “A total of ₦2.311 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.”
The ministry further disclosed that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Finance and the OAGF, is finalizing arrangements for the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to the Nigerian University Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO), which is expected to be completed shortly.
Providing further updates, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, emphasized that President Bola Tinubu remains unwavering in his commitment to resolving all lingering welfare and funding concerns affecting the tertiary education sector in a transparent, fair, and sustainable manner.
Dr. Alausa stated that the Tinubu Administration is dedicated to clearing inherited backlogs and improving the welfare of both academic and non-academic staff across universities. He also announced the government’s decision to integrate the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries beginning in 2026, a move that aims to ensure consistency and sustainability in payments.
He added that additional funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities initiative, with clear budgetary allocations to maintain the scheme.
“These measures demonstrate the government’s firm commitment to uplifting the welfare of academic staff and addressing systemic challenges that have existed for years,” Dr. Alausa said.
He noted that within the past 26 months, the Federal Government has cleared a significant portion of its financial obligations to the education sector while maintaining open and transparent communication with academic and non-academic unions.
“The Federal Ministry of Education assures that these engagements are being conducted truthfully and in good faith. However, while the government remains committed to improving staff welfare, it will only enter into agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable,” the minister stated.
Dr. Alausa also pointed out that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to act as a link between the Federal Government and the tertiary institutions’ unions, ensuring that all welfare-related matters are resolved through honest dialogue.
“Negotiations are being conducted sincerely, mutually, and respectfully,” he said.
The minister stressed that the government will not adopt any fiscal policies that could jeopardize long-term financial stability.
“Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,” Dr. Alausa affirmed, emphasizing that all commitments must align with approved budgetary provisions.
He commended President Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to reforming the education sector, highlighting that many long-standing issues are now being decisively addressed under his leadership.
Dr. Alausa expressed optimism that these ongoing reforms and financial interventions would lead to lasting industrial peace, restore trust in Nigeria’s university system, and enhance institutional capacity for national growth.
What you should know
The Federal Government’s release of ₦2.3 billion to university staff marks a renewed effort to address the long-standing financial challenges between ASUU and the government.
By incorporating the Earned Academic Allowance into salaries from 2026 and supporting local pension structures like NUPEMCO, the Tinubu administration aims to stabilize Nigeria’s tertiary education system and restore industrial harmony.
