₦2.3 Billion Released to Universities for Salary, Promotion Arrears, FG Reaffirms Commitment to ASUU Demands
The Federal Government of Nigeria has released N 2.311 billion to universities nationwide for the payment of Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, signaling a renewed commitment to addressing long-standing welfare and funding challenges involving the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university-based unions.
Decisive Fiscal Intervention and Welfare Commitments
Maruf Olatunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, disclosed the release in Abuja, reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing the tertiary education sector through decisive fiscal interventions and policy reforms. According to a statement by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to resolve all lingering welfare and funding issues in a “transparent, fair, and sustainable manner.”
The N2.311 billion was processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF).
> “Benefiting institutions should begin to receive payment alerts anytime from now,” the Minister stated.
The Minister further announced several major financial and policy steps:
Pension Remittances: The Federal Government is finalizing the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to the Nigerian University Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO), with completion expected in the coming days.
Mainstreaming EAA: The government has approved the full mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries starting from 2026. This move is intended to ensure prompt, predictable, and sustainable payments going forward.
Needs Assessment Funds: Funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities, with corresponding budgetary provisions made to sustain the initiative.
Alausa stressed that these measures demonstrate a strong commitment to improving academic staff welfare and addressing challenges that have persisted for decades.
While the government remains committed to improving staff welfare, it will only enter into agreements that are “realistic and financially sustainable.”
The Minister highlighted the role of the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee in facilitating honest and mutually respectful dialogue between the Federal Government and tertiary institution unions.
He stressed that all commitments must be aligned to approved budgetary provisions to guarantee long-term stability and prevent unsustainable fiscal practices.
Alausa commended President Tinubu for tackling challenges that had “persisted for decades” and expressed optimism that the interventions would usher in lasting industrial harmony and restore confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
