The Federal Government has released ₦2.3 billion to clear salary and promotion arrears owed to academic and non-academic staff of public universities across the country.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry, Folasade Boriowo.
Alausa explained that the disbursement, representing Batch 8 of arrears payment, was processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF). He said the payment underscored President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to clearing inherited backlogs and improving staff welfare in tertiary institutions.
“A total of ₦2.311 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,” the Minister stated.
Alausa further revealed 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).
He added that the government has approved the full mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries beginning from 2026, to ensure timely and sustainable payments going forward.
The Minister also said that funds had been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities, with corresponding budgetary provisions to sustain the initiative.
According to him, these measures demonstrate the Federal Government’s strong commitment to addressing long-standing challenges in the tertiary education sector and enhancing industrial harmony.
“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,” Alausa stated.
He reiterated that the government would only enter into agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable, to prevent the recurrence of crises that had in the past disrupted academic activities.
The Minister also noted that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to engage constructively with the unions to resolve all pending welfare-related matters through mutual dialogue.
“Negotiations are being conducted sincerely, mutually, and respectfully. Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,” Alausa said.
He commended President Tinubu for his unwavering dedication to the education sector, stressing that several challenges that had persisted for decades were now being addressed decisively under his administration.
Alausa expressed optimism that the ongoing reforms and fiscal interventions will promote lasting industrial harmony, restore confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, and strengthen institutional capacity for national development.
