The Federal Government has released ₦2.3 billion to clear outstanding salary and promotion arrears owed to university lecturers across the country.
The move, according to the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, is part of the administration’s broader effort to revamp Nigeria’s tertiary education sector through fiscal reforms, sustained dialogue, and transparent engagement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university-based unions.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, Alausa said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to resolving lingering welfare and funding challenges in a fair and sustainable manner.
According to him, “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.”
The minister further revealed that the government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, is concluding arrangements for the release of third-party deductions and pension remittances, which are expected to be finalised in the coming days.
Alausa added that the Federal Government has approved the full mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries beginning from 2026, to ensure regular and predictable payments.
He noted that additional funds have also been disbursed under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities initiative to strengthen infrastructure and academic development.
“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,” Alausa stated.
He said the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to serve as a vital link between the government and the university unions, working to resolve all outstanding welfare matters through constructive dialogue.
Alausa reaffirmed the administration’s stance on responsible fiscal management, saying: “Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,” adding that all commitments must align with budgetary provisions to guarantee long-term financial stability.
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