The Federal Government has released N2.3 billion to settle arrears and backlogs owed to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university-based unions, in a move aimed at restoring industrial harmony in the tertiary education sector.
A statement signed on Wednesday by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, revealed that the payment was made through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF).
According to the statement, “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.”
The government also disclosed that arrangements are being finalised to release third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to the Nigerian University Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO) in the coming days.
Providing updates on ongoing engagements with ASUU and other tertiary institution unions, Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, affirmed that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to resolving all outstanding welfare and funding issues transparently and sustainably.
He explained that the administration is determined to clear inherited backlogs and enhance the welfare of both academic and non-academic staff in public universities.
In a major policy shift, Dr. Alausa announced that the Federal Government has approved the full mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries beginning in 2026, to ensure prompt and predictable payments going forward.
He also confirmed that funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities, with corresponding budgetary provisions to sustain the initiative.
“These measures underscore the government’s strong commitment to improving academic staff welfare and addressing long-standing challenges that have persisted for decades,” the minister said.
Dr. Alausa further noted that within the last 26 months, the Federal Government has cleared a significant portion of outstanding obligations while maintaining open and continuous dialogue with all 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,” he added.
The minister also highlighted the role of the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee in facilitating constructive engagement between the Federal Government and tertiary institution unions, ensuring that all welfare-related issues are addressed through “honest, sincere, and mutually respectful dialogue.”
He reaffirmed that the government would not embark on unsustainable fiscal practices, stressing that all commitments must align with approved budgetary provisions to ensure long-term stability in the education sector.
Dr. Alausa commended President Tinubu’s “unwavering dedication” to transforming the education sector, noting that long-standing challenges are now being tackled decisively under his administration.
He expressed optimism that the ongoing reforms and fiscal interventions will usher in lasting peace in universities, restore confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, and strengthen institutional capacity for national development.
