FG releases ₦2.3bn to clear University Lecturers’ Salary, others

The Federal Government has released ₦2.3 billion to clear salary and promotion arrears in federal universities as part of efforts to improve academic staff welfare and strengthen dialogue with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Minister of Education, Maruf Olatunji Alausa, announced this while giving updates on ongoing engagements with ASUU and other university-based unions.

According to him, the disbursement, processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to resolving lingering welfare and funding issues in the education sector.

“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,” Alausa said.

He added that the government is finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to NUPEMCO, which is expected to be completed in the coming days.

The Minister also announced that the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) will be fully integrated into university staff salaries starting from 2026 to ensure “prompt, predictable, and sustainable payments.”

He further revealed that funds have been disbursed under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities, with corresponding budgetary allocations to sustain the initiative.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to lasting solutions, Alausa said, “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.”

He explained that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to serve as a bridge between the Federal Government and tertiary institution unions, ensuring that all pending welfare-related issues are resolved through sincere and respectful dialogue.

“Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,” Alausa added, commending President Tinubu’s dedication to revitalising Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.