The Federal Government has released ₦2.3 billion to clear salary and promotion arrears owed to university lecturers nationwide, reaffirming its commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the release on Wednesday, noting that the payment—representing Batch 8 arrears—has been processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF). He said universities should begin receiving payment alerts soon.
Alausa explained that the government is also finalizing the release of third-party deductions and pension remittances, emphasizing that these steps reflect President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to settle inherited financial obligations in the university system.
He further revealed that, starting in 2026, the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) will be fully integrated into university salaries to ensure prompt and transparent payments. Funds have also been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities programme, with additional provisions planned for future budgets.
The minister assured that discussions with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other unions are ongoing in good faith. However, he stressed that the government will only commit to agreements that are realistic and fiscally sustainable.
“The Federal Government will not engage in unsustainable practices. All commitments must align with approved budgetary provisions,” Alausa said.
ASUU recently suspended a two-week warning strike after the intervention of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the National Assembly, which pledged to mediate between the union and the government.
