The Federal Government has restated its firm commitment to revamping Nigeria’s tertiary education system through major fiscal interventions, policy reforms, and ongoing dialogue with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university-based unions.
The Minister of Education, Chief (Dr.) Maruf Olatunji Alausa, FAMedS, CON, made this known while giving updates on the government’s engagement with ASUU and related unions. He emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains determined to resolve all lingering issues surrounding staff welfare and funding in a fair and transparent manner.
Dr. Alausa announced that the Federal Government has released N2.3 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, to universities across the country. The funds, processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), underscore the Tinubu administration’s resolve to clear inherited backlogs and enhance the welfare of academic and non-academic staff in tertiary institutions.
According to him, “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 also disclosed that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Finance and the OAGF, is finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to the Nigeria University Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO). The process, he said, is expected to be completed within days.
The Minister further revealed that the government has approved the full mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries starting from 2026. This, he explained, will ensure regular and sustainable payments going forward. He added that funds have also been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities project, with corresponding budgetary allocations made to sustain the initiative.
Dr. Alausa stated that these actions reflect the Federal Government’s strong commitment to addressing long-standing challenges that have affected the education sector for decades. He noted that over the past twenty-six months, the government has cleared a substantial portion of outstanding obligations while maintaining open dialogue with academic and non-academic unions in the tertiary education system.
“The Federal Ministry of Education assures that these engagements are being conducted truthfully and in good faith. However, while the government remains committed to improving staff welfare, it will only enter into agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable,” Dr. Alausa stated.
He explained that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to serve as a bridge between the Federal Government and university unions to ensure that all welfare-related matters are resolved through sincere and respectful dialogue. “Negotiations are being conducted sincerely, mutually, and respectfully,” he said.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that the Federal Government will not engage in fiscal practices that could threaten economic stability. “Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,” he added, stressing that commitments must align with budgetary provisions for long-term sustainability.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering dedication to improving the education sector, noting that several challenges that had persisted for years are now being tackled decisively.
The Minister expressed optimism that the ongoing reforms and financial interventions will promote lasting industrial harmony, restore public confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary education, and strengthen the sector’s capacity for national development.