Federal Government Deepens Dialogue With ASUU, Releases N2.3bn

Federal Government’s dialogue with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has deepened, with the release of N2.3 billion to universities across the country as part of efforts to address lingering welfare concerns and restore stability in the tertiary education sector.

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, announced that the N2.311 billion represented Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears for university staff.

This was contained in a press statement issued by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry of Education in Abuja, on Wednesday.

Dr Alausa said the disbursement, processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), reflected President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to clear inherited backlogs and strengthen staff morale across tertiary institutions.

“A total of N2.311 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,” he stated.

He also revealed that the government, through 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.

Dr. Alausa disclosed that the Federal Government has also approved the full mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries beginning from 2026.

According to him, this decision will ensure prompt, predictable, and sustainable payment of allowances, eliminating the irregularities that characterised previous arrangements.

“In addition, funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities, with corresponding budgetary provisions made to sustain the initiative.”

The Minister noted that these steps underscore the Tinubu Administration’s determination to revitalise the university system and address welfare challenges that have persisted for years.

“Within the last twenty-six months, the Federal Government has paid a significant portion of outstanding obligations while maintaining open communication with all academic and non-academic unions of tertiary institutions,” he said.

The Minister further stressed that all engagements with university-based unions are being conducted 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 added that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to act as a bridge between the Federal Government and tertiary institution unions, ensuring that welfare-related issues are addressed through honest and mutually respectful dialogue. “Negotiations are being conducted sincerely, mutually, and respectfully,” he assured.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline, Dr. Alausa said the government priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system.

He commended President Tinubu for his steadfast dedication to the education sector, noting that challenges that had lingered for decades are now being confronted decisively.

The Minister expressed optimism that the current wave of reforms and financial interventions would bring about lasting industrial harmony, restore confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, and strengthen institutional capacity for national development.