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 Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, 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, and beneficiary institutions are expected to receive payment alerts shortly.
In addition, the government is finalising the release of third‑party non‑statutory deductions and pension remittances to the Nigerian University Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO), a process expected to be completed in the coming days.
Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Alausa updated on ongoing engagements with ASUU and other tertiary institution unions, emphasizing 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 improve the welfare of both 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 assures that engagements with academic and non‑academic unions are being conducted in good faith, with a commitment to improving staff welfare while securing 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 prioritised responsible fiscal practices, ensuring that all commitments align with approved budgetary provisions to guarantee long‑term stability. With several challenges that have 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.
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