The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, on Wednesday announced that the Federal Government has released N50bn to academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities for the payment of earned allowances, fulfilling a pledge made by President Bola Tinubu.
This was disclosed in a statement titled “FG Releases N50bn Earned Allowances to Varsity Unions, Tinubu Reaffirms Education Priority,” issued by the Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.
According to Boriowo, the release of the funds is “yet another testament to President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s education sector.”
She noted that it underscores the administration’s bold resolve to shift Nigeria from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and human capital.
Speaking on the development, Alausa described the intervention as more than just a financial gesture.
“It is a reaffirmation of our President’s belief in the potential of Nigerian youth and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic staff play in nurturing them,” he said.
“By prioritising their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child has access to a high-quality, globally competitive education,” the Minister added.
Alausa also conveyed President Tinubu’s appreciation to the unions for their continued trust in his administration and their role in maintaining peace and cooperation across Nigeria’s federal institutions.
The statement further highlighted that the country is currently witnessing one of the longest periods of uninterrupted academic activity in recent history—an achievement attributed to the strengthened understanding and shared commitment between the government and the university community.
President Tinubu emphasised the importance of youth development, saying, “The youth are the heartbeat of our country. Their future is extremely important to me and my administration. Keeping our children in school is non-negotiable. It is my commitment that strikes in our institutions will soon become a thing of the past.”
University-based unions have long clashed with past administrations over the non-payment of earned allowances and other unresolved demands.
