By Ayomide Otitoju
The Federal Government has released approximately ₦2.3 billion to settle salary arrears and backlogs for the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university-based unions.
A statement on Wednesday by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, said the funds, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, were disbursed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF).
“Benefiting institutions should begin to receive payment alerts anytime from now,” the statement read.
Boriowo also disclosed that the government, through the Ministry of Finance and OAGF, is finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to NUPEMCO, expected in the coming days.
Education Minister Dr. Maruf Alausa said President Bola Tinubu remains committed to resolving all outstanding welfare and funding issues for tertiary institutions in a transparent, fair, and sustainable manner. He noted that the administration aims to clear inherited backlogs and improve staff welfare across the sector.
Among reforms, the government has approved the full mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university salaries from 2026, ensuring predictable and sustainable payments. Additional funds have also been allocated under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities, with budget provisions to sustain the initiative.
“Within the last 26 months, the Federal Government has paid a significant portion of outstanding obligations while maintaining open communication with all academic and non-academic unions of tertiary institutions,” Dr. Alausa said.
He reaffirmed that negotiations, facilitated by the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee, are being conducted sincerely, respectfully, and with fiscal responsibility.
“Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,” the minister stated, stressing that commitments must align with approved budgets to guarantee long-term stability.
Dr. Alausa commended President Tinubu for tackling long-standing challenges in the sector and expressed optimism that the current reforms will restore confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, foster industrial harmony, and strengthen institutional capacity for national development.
