The Federal Government of Nigeria has released N2.3 billion to universities to clear the backlog of arrears owed to staff unions. This move is part of the government’s efforts to revitalize the tertiary education sector through fiscal interventions, policy reforms, and dialogue with academic staff unions.
According to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the funds were processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and will be used to improve the welfare of academic and non-academic staff in federal universities. The minister emphasized that President Bola Tinubu is committed to resolving the lingering welfare and funding challenges in the education sector in a transparent and sustainable manner.
The released funds, totaling N2.311 billion, will be distributed to benefiting institutions, which are expected to receive payment alerts soon. Additionally, the government is finalizing the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to the Nigerian Universities Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO), expected to be completed in the coming days.
The government has also announced plans to mainstream the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries starting from 2026, ensuring prompt and predictable payments. Furthermore, funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities project, with corresponding budgetary provisions to sustain the initiative.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving academic staff welfare and addressing long-standing challenges in the education sector. He noted that the government has paid a significant portion of outstanding obligations over the past 26 months while maintaining open communication with academic and non-academic unions.
The government’s engagements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other unions are being conducted in good faith, with a focus on finding realistic and financially sustainable solutions. The Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to facilitate dialogue between the government and tertiary institutions’ unions, ensuring that pending welfare-related issues are addressed through honest and respectful dialogue.
The Federal Government has emphasized its commitment to responsible fiscal practices, prioritizing long-term stability and sustainability in the education sector. With these developments, the government aims to improve the overall quality of tertiary education in Nigeria and address the concerns of academic staff and students.