FG Releases ₦2.3bn to Universities for Arrears, Staff Welfare
The Federal Government has disbursed ₦2.3 billion to university-based unions to settle outstanding arrears and enhance staff welfare, reaffirming its commitment to addressing lingering labour issues in the education sector.
Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, announced the release on Wednesday in Abuja while providing updates on ongoing engagements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary education unions.
Alausa said the intervention underscores the government’s commitment to resolving long-standing welfare and funding challenges through fiscal support, reforms, and sustained dialogue.
“A total of N2.311 billion has been released through the office of the accountant-general of the federation to universities,” the minister said.
“Benefiting institutions should begin to receive payment alerts anytime from now.”
He added that the Ministry of Finance and the Accountant-General’s office are finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances.
Alausa disclosed that the federal government plans to integrate the earned academic allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries beginning in 2026 to ensure more predictable and sustainable payments.
He also said funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities project, with additional budgetary provisions to sustain the programme.
‘Talks with unions ongoing in good faith’
The minister noted that in the last 26 months, the government has paid a significant portion of outstanding obligations while maintaining open lines of communication with both academic and non-academic unions.
He said all negotiations are being handled “truthfully and in good faith” through the Yayale Ahmed-led committee.
“Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,” Alausa said.
“All commitments must align with approved budgetary provisions to guarantee long-term stability.”