The Federal Government has disbursed ₦2.3 billion to clear outstanding salary and promotion arrears owed to staff in federal universities across the country.
Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, announced the release on Wednesday in Abuja, reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s tertiary education through decisive fiscal interventions, policy reforms, and sustained engagement with university-based unions.
According to a statement by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the funds, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, were processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF).
“A total of ₦2.311 billion has been released to universities across the country. Benefiting institutions should begin to receive payment alerts anytime from now,” Alausa said.
He added that the release reflects the administration’s resolve to clear inherited backlogs and improve the welfare of academic and non-academic staff in the tertiary education sector.
The minister also disclosed that the government, through the Ministry of Finance and the OAGF, is finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to NUPEMCO, expected to be completed in the coming days.
In a significant policy move, Alausa announced that the Federal Government has approved the full mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university salaries beginning in 2026, ensuring prompt and predictable payments going forward.
He further revealed that funds have also been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities, with new budgetary provisions made to sustain the initiative.
“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,” Alausa stated.
“However, while the government remains committed to improving staff welfare, it will only enter into agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable.”
Alausa said the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to serve as a bridge between the government and tertiary education unions, ensuring all pending welfare issues are resolved through honest and mutually respectful dialogue.
He stressed that the government would not adopt unsustainable fiscal practices but would ensure all commitments align with budgetary provisions to guarantee long-term stability.
Commending President Tinubu’s “unwavering dedication” to the education sector, the minister expressed optimism that the latest reforms and interventions will restore confidence, promote industrial harmony, and strengthen the nation’s tertiary education system.
“Several challenges that had persisted for decades are now being tackled decisively under this administration,” the statement concluded.
