The Federal Government has released ₦2.3 billion to unions in federal universities to clear outstanding arrears, as part of ongoing efforts to resolve long-standing labour issues in the tertiary education sector.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday while providing updates on the government’s engagements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university-based unions.
Alausa said the release, processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), demonstrated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing inherited backlogs and improving staff welfare in higher institutions.
“A total of ₦2.311 billion 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 stated.
He added that the government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the OAGF, was finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to NUPEMCO, which are 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 beginning in 2026, ensuring predictable and timely payments.
According to Alausa, additional funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities project, with fresh budgetary allocations made to sustain the intervention.
He noted that within the last 26 months, the Federal Government had paid a significant portion of outstanding obligations while maintaining open communication with all university-based unions.
“Our engagements with ASUU and other unions are being conducted truthfully and in good faith. The government will only enter into agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable,” he said.
Alausa further explained that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to serve as a bridge between the government and university unions to ensure that welfare issues are resolved through dialogue and mutual respect.
“Our priority is to address all matters responsibly and in the best interest of our education system. All commitments must align with approved budgetary provisions to guarantee long-term stability,” he added.
The minister commended President Tinubu for his “unwavering dedication” to the education sector, noting that several long-standing challenges were being resolved decisively under his administration.
