iDeemlawfulThe Federal Government has announced the disbursement of ₦2.3 billion to offset the salary and promotion arrears of university lecturers nationwide, reaffirming its dedication to revitalising the tertiary education sector through sustainable reforms and transparent fiscal management.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday while providing updates on ongoing discussions between the government, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and other tertiary education unions.
He stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to resolving all pending issues affecting staff welfare and university funding in a fair and transparent manner.
According to the minister, the ₦2.3 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, has been processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF).
“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,” he said.
Alausa further revealed that the Federal Government is finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances through the Ministry of Finance and the OAGF, noting that the process would be completed soon. He said the initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to clearing inherited financial obligations within the university system.
He also announced that starting from 2026, the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) would be fully integrated into university staff salaries to ensure timely and sustainable payments. “This new arrangement will eliminate the recurrent delays in the payment of earned allowances and promote transparency,” he noted.
The minister added that funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities programme, with additional budgetary support planned to sustain the initiative in coming years. He said these measures form part of a comprehensive plan to strengthen public tertiary institutions through predictable, performance-based funding.
“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,” Alausa stated in a release signed by the ministry’s Director of Press, Folasade Boriowo.
He emphasised that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to act as a vital bridge between the government and university-based unions, ensuring that welfare-related issues are addressed through open and respectful dialogue. “Negotiations are being conducted sincerely, mutually, and respectfully,” he added.
Alausa reiterated that the Federal Government would not adopt unsustainable fiscal measures, stressing that all commitments must align with approved budgetary provisions.
“Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,” he said.
ASUU has long been in dispute with the Federal Government over unpaid salaries, withheld allowances, and the unimplemented 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.
The union recently suspended its two-week warning strike following interventions by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the National Assembly, which pledged to mediate between ASUU and the government.
