By Duchess Ifeoluwa
The Federal Government has released ₦2.3 billion as Batch 8 payment for promotion arrears to federal universities across the country.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced this on Wednesday, while providing updates on the government’s ongoing engagements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary institution unions.
He said the funds, processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), underscored President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to clearing inherited backlogs and improving the welfare of academic and non-academic staff in tertiary institutions.
“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,” Alausa said.
The minister added that the Federal Government was finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to NUPEMCO, expected to be completed in the coming days.
He disclosed that the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) would be fully mainstreamed into university staff salaries beginning from 2026, ensuring prompt and predictable payments going forward.
Alausa further stated that funds had been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities project, with corresponding budgetary provisions to sustain the initiative.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalising the tertiary education sector through decisive fiscal interventions, policy reforms, and sustained dialogue with ASUU and other university-based unions.
“Within the last 26 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,” he noted.
Alausa stressed that while government remained committed to improving staff welfare, it would only enter into agreements that were realistic and financially sustainable.
He explained that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continued to serve as a bridge between the Federal Government and tertiary institutions’ unions, ensuring that all pending welfare-related issues were addressed through honest and mutually respectful dialogue.
“Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system. All commitments must align with approved budgetary provisions to guarantee long-term stability,” he said.
The minister commended President Tinubu for his dedication to the education sector, noting that several challenges that had persisted for decades were now being addressed decisively under his administration.
