FG Disburses ₦2.3bn To Clear University Salary Arrears, Reaffirms Commitment To ASUU Talks

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s tertiary education sector through financial interventions, policy reforms, and continued engagement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university unions.

Minister of Education, Chief (Dr.) Maruf Olatunji Alausa, made this known on Wednesday while giving an update on ongoing discussions between the government and tertiary institution unions. He restated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resolve to address all outstanding welfare and funding issues transparently and sustainably.

Alausa announced the release of ₦2.3 billion as Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears to universities across the country. The funds, processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), form part of the Tinubu administration’s effort to clear inherited financial obligations and enhance staff welfare in federal universities.

“A total of ₦2.311 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, has been released through the OAGF to universities. Benefiting institutions should begin to receive payment alerts shortly,” he said.

He further disclosed that the government, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and the OAGF, is finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to NUPEMCO, expected to be completed in the coming days.

In a key policy move, Alausa confirmed that the Federal Government has approved the full integration of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries from 2026. The reform, he said, will ensure predictable and timely payments to academic staff. He also noted that funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities programme, with budgetary provisions for its continuation.

According to the minister, these actions reflect the government’s strong commitment to improving academic staff welfare and resolving longstanding challenges. He noted that in the past 26 months, the administration has cleared a substantial portion of inherited obligations while maintaining open communication with university unions.

Alausa emphasised that while the government prioritises staff welfare, it will only commit to agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable. He said the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to facilitate constructive dialogue between the government and university unions.

“Our priority is to handle all issues responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,” Alausa stated, adding that all commitments must align with approved budgetary provisions to ensure lasting stability.

He commended President Tinubu for his dedication to education reform, noting that several long-standing issues are now being decisively addressed. Alausa expressed confidence that ongoing fiscal interventions and policy reforms will foster lasting industrial peace, restore confidence in Nigeria’s university system, and strengthen institutions for national development.