The Federal Government has disbursed N2.311 billion to clear outstanding salary and promotion arrears owed to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university-based unions.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the funds were released through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) as part of ongoing efforts to address long-standing financial obligations within Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
“A total of N2.311 billion, representing Batch eight salary and promotion arrears, has been released through the OAGF to universities. Benefiting institutions should begin to receive payment alerts anytime from now,” the statement read.
Boriowo added that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the OAGF, is finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to the Nigerian University Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO).
The process, she said, is expected to be completed in the coming days.
Speaking on the development, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s resolved to permanently address welfare and funding challenges affecting Nigerian universities.
He said the administration was determined to “clear inherited backlogs and enhance the welfare of both academic and non-academic staff.
He assured that all financial commitments were transparent, fair, and fiscally sustainable.
Dr. Alausa also revealed that beginning 2026, the government would mainstream the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries to ensure prompt and predictable payments.
“This reform will guarantee consistent and sustainable payment of allowances without the delays and uncertainties of past years,” he said
He also disclosed that funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities (NANU) programme, with new budgetary provisions made to sustain the initiative in future fiscal cycles.
Dr. Alausa noted that the government had paid a substantial portion of outstanding obligations over the last 26 months, while maintaining open channels of communication with ASUU and other unions.
He assured that all engagements were being conducted “truthfully and in good faith,” but emphasised that the Federal Government would only commit to agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable.
“Our priority is to address all matters responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,” the minister stated.
”“We will not engage in fiscal practices that jeopardise long-term stability.”
The minister also praised the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee for its ongoing mediation role between the Federal Government and the unions, saying it continued to “serve as a bridge for constructive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes.”
Dr. Alausa commended President Tinubu for what he described as an “unwavering dedication to the education sector,” noting that issues that had persisted for decades were now being tackled decisively.
He expressed optimism that the government’s financial interventions and structural reforms would usher in lasting industrial harmony, rebuild confidence in Nigeria’s university system, and strengthen tertiary institutions as engines of national development.
