…affirms commitment to revitalizing tertiary education
The Federal Government has released ₦2.3 billion to universities across the country for the payment of salaries and promotion arrears in a bid to address long-standing welfare and funding challenges with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
It also reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to revitalize Nigeria's tertiary education sector through decisive financial intervention, policy reforms and continued dialogue with ASUU and other university-based unions.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Olatunji Alausa, disclosed this in Abuja while providing an update on ongoing activities with ASUU and other tertiary institutions associations.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriwo, the minister said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is steadfast in his determination to resolve all pending welfare and funding issues in a transparent, fair and sustainable manner.
Alausa announced that the federal government has released 2.311 billion euros representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears to universities across the country.
He said the disbursement, processed through the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), reflects the commitment of the Tinubu administration to clear the inherited backlog and enhance the welfare of both academic and non-academic staff in tertiary institutions.
“A total of ₦2.311 billion, representing the salaries and promotion dues of Batch 8, has been released to the universities through the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation. The benefiting institutions should start receiving payment alerts any time from now,” the minister said.
He further disclosed that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Finance and OAGF, is finalizing the third party non-statutory deduction and release of pension remittances to the Nigerian Universities Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO), which is expected to be completed in the coming days.
Alausa also disclosed that the government has approved the full mainstreaming of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into the salaries of university staff starting from 2026, adding that the move will ensure quick, predictable and sustainable payments going forward.
He said the funds have been released under the needs assessment of Nigerian universities, with corresponding budgetary provisions to sustain the initiative.
He reaffirmed that these measures demonstrate the Government's strong commitment to improving the welfare of academic staff and addressing long-term challenges that have persisted for decades.
Over the past twenty-six months, the Federal Government has paid a significant portion of the outstanding obligations while maintaining open communication with all academic and non-academic associations of tertiary institutions.
“The Federal Ministry of Education assures that these actions are being carried out truthfully and in good faith. While the government is committed to improving the welfare of employees, it will only enter into agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable,” Alausa said.
The Minister also highlighted the role of the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee as a bridge between the Federal Government and tertiary institution unions, ensuring that all outstanding welfare issues are addressed through honest and mutually respectful negotiations.
Also read: How the 16 ASUU strikes failed to fix universities?
He stressed that the government will not engage in unsustainable fiscal practices, stressing that all matters must be addressed responsibly and in the best interests of our education system, with commitments in line with the approved budgetary provisions to guarantee long-term sustainability.
“Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interests of our education system,” he said.
Alausa commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering dedication to the education sector, noting that many of the challenges that have persisted for decades are now being dealt with decisively under his administration.
He expressed hope that the ongoing reforms and financial interventions will usher in sustainable industrial harmony, restore confidence in Nigeria's tertiary education system and strengthen institutional capacity for national development.
