The Federal Government has released ₦2.3 billion to clear outstanding salary and promotion arrears owed to academic and non-academic staff across all federal universities.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Wednesday and signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade.
According to the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, the disbursement which was processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, represents Batch 8 of the arrears payment and forms part of President Bola Tinubu’s effort to settle inherited obligations in the tertiary education sector.
“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,” Dr. Alausa said.
He also revealed that the Federal Government was finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to NUPEMCO, expected to be completed in the coming days.
Dr. Alausa stated that starting from 2026, the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) would be fully integrated into the salaries of university staff to ensure regular and predictable payments. He added that funds had also been disbursed under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities to support ongoing projects.
He reaffirmed that these measures show the government’s resolve to address long-standing welfare challenges and maintain open dialogue with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary institution unions.
“The Federal Ministry of Education assures that these engagements are being conducted truthfully and in good faith. While the government remains committed to improving staff welfare, it will only enter into agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable,” he said.
Dr. Alausa noted that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee remains active in bridging discussions between the Federal Government and university-based unions, adding that negotiations are being handled “sincerely, mutually, and respectfully.”
He also emphasized that the government would not engage in unsustainable fiscal practices, stressing the need for all commitments to align with available budgetary provisions to guarantee stability.
The Minister commended President Tinubu for his commitment to the education sector, saying the administration was addressing issues that had lingered for decades.
His remarks come amid heightened expectations from ASUU, which recently suspended a two-week warning strike over unmet demands and gave the government a one-month ultimatum to fulfill its promises.
Dr. Alausa expressed optimism that the new fiscal interventions would promote lasting peace in the university system and restore confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary education.
