The Federal Government of Nigeria has released approximately ₦2.3 billion to settle outstanding salary arrears and backlogs owed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university-based unions. According to a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, the funds were disbursed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
A total of ₦2.311 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, has been allocated to universities, with beneficiary institutions expected to receive payment alerts shortly. Additionally, the Federal Government is finalizing 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 in the coming days.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, provided updates on the ongoing engagements with ASUU and other tertiary institution unions, stating that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to resolving all lingering welfare and funding issues in a transparent, fair, and sustainable manner. The Tinubu Administration has resolved to clear inherited backlogs and enhance the welfare of academic and non-academic staff in the tertiary education sector.
The government has approved the full mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries, effective from 2026, to ensure prompt, predictable, and sustainable payments. Funds have also been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities, with corresponding budgetary provisions made to sustain the initiative.
The Federal Ministry of Education has assured that engagements with academic and non-academic unions are being conducted in good faith, with a commitment to improving staff welfare while ensuring realistic and financially sustainable agreements. The Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to facilitate dialogue between the Federal Government and tertiary institutions’ unions, addressing pending welfare-related issues through honest and mutually respectful negotiations.
The Federal Government has prioritized responsible fiscal practices, ensuring that all commitments align with approved budgetary provisions to guarantee long-term stability. With several challenges that had persisted for decades now being tackled decisively, the Minister expressed optimism that the current wave of reforms and fiscal interventions will usher in lasting industrial harmony, restore confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, and strengthen institutional capacity for national development.