The Federal Government has released about ₦2.3 billion to settle arrears and backlogs owed to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities and other university-based unions.
A statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, on Wednesday said the funds were released through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
According to the statement, ₦2.311 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, has been disbursed to universities, and the institutions are expected to start receiving payment alerts soon.
The Federal Government also said it is finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to the Nigerian University Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO), which will be completed in the coming days.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, said President Bola Tinubu remains determined to resolve all pending welfare and funding issues in a transparent and fair way.
He explained that the administration is committed to clearing inherited backlogs and improving the welfare of both academic and non-academic staff in tertiary institutions.
Alausa added that the government has approved the full inclusion of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries starting from 2026 to ensure regular and sustainable payments.
He said funds have also been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities project, with budgetary provisions made to sustain it.
“Within the last twenty-six months, the Federal Government has paid a significant portion of outstanding obligations while maintaining open communication with all academic and non-academic unions,” Alausa stated.
He stressed that while the government is committed to improving welfare, it will only enter into agreements that are financially sustainable.
The minister noted that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to serve as a bridge between the government and tertiary institution unions to ensure welfare issues are resolved through honest dialogue.
He said the government’s priority is to address all matters responsibly and within approved budgets to ensure long-term stability.
Alausa praised President Tinubu for his dedication to the education sector, adding that long-standing issues are now being tackled decisively.
He expressed hope that the ongoing reforms will promote lasting peace in the sector, restore confidence in public universities, and strengthen the education system for national growth.
