Federal Govt Deepens Dialogue With Lecturers, Releases N2.3bn

The Federal Government’s dialogue with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has deepened. N2.3 billion has been released to universities nationwide 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 represents 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 in Abuja, on Wednesday.

Dr Alausa said the disbursement, processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), reflects President Bola Ahmed 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 to universities through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

“Benefiting institutions should begin to receive payment alerts anytime from now,” he stated.

He also revealed that through the Ministry of Finance and the OAGF, the government is 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 fully mainstreamed the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries since 2026.

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

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

The Minister noted that these steps underscore the Tinubu Administration’s determination to revitalise the university system and address long-persisting welfare challenges.

“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 conducted in good faith. At the same time, the government remains committed to improving staff welfare, but it will only enter into realistic and financially sustainable agreements.

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 priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system.

He commended President Bola Ahmed 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.