The Federal Government has released ₦2.3 billion to settle parts of the salary arrears owed to university-based unions across the country, marking a new step toward resolving long-standing industrial disputes within the tertiary education sector.
Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the release on Wednesday in Abuja while giving updates on ongoing engagements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other campus-based unions.
Alausa said the disbursement reflects the government’s renewed commitment to addressing welfare and funding challenges through fiscal support, reforms, and sustained dialogue.
“A total of ₦2.311 billion 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 said.
He added that the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General are finalising payments for third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances.
Dr. Alausa disclosed that the Federal Government plans to integrate the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries by 2026, a move aimed at ensuring consistent and sustainable payment structures.
He revealed that funds have also been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities project, with more budgetary allocations planned to sustain the programme in the coming years.
‘Talks with unions ongoing in good faith’
Speaking on relations with university unions, Alausa said the government has paid a significant portion of outstanding obligations in the last 26 months while maintaining “open and transparent communication” with all affected groups.
“Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,” the minister said.
“All commitments must align with approved budgetary provisions to guarantee long-term stability.”
He noted that all ongoing negotiations are being handled by the Yayale Ahmed-led committee, which serves as the primary mediation platform between the Federal Government and the academic unions.
