FG Deepens Dialogue With ASUU: Clears Backlog, Strengthens Academic Staff Welfare, Releases Funds to Clear Salary & Promotion Arrears in All Federal Universities
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s tertiary education sector through fiscal interventions, policy reforms, and continued dialogue with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university-based unions.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Chief (Dr.) Maruf Olatunji Alausa, FAMedS, CON, disclosed the updates while briefing on ongoing engagements with ASUU and other tertiary institution unions. He stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains resolute in resolving lingering welfare and funding issues in a transparent, fair, and sustainable manner.
“A total of ₦2.311 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.”
Dr. Alausa announced that the Federal Government has released ₦2.3 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears to universities across the country. The disbursements — processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) — reflect the Tinubu Administration’s resolve to clear inherited backlogs and enhance the welfare of academic and non-academic staff in the tertiary education sector.
He further disclosed that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Finance and the OAGF, is finalizing the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to relevant bodies (NUPENG/NUPENMCO as referenced in the release), expected to be completed in the coming days.
Dr. Alausa also added that the government has approved the full mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries beginning from 2026, noting that this will ensure prompt, predictable and sustainable payments going forward. In addition, funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities, with corresponding budgetary provisions made to sustain the initiative.
Negotiation and Process: Transparency and Sustainability
The Minister highlighted the ongoing Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee which continues to serve as a bridge between the Federal Government and tertiary institutions’ unions. The committee is ensuring that pending welfare-related issues are addressed through honest and mutually respectful dialogue.
“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.
Dr. Alausa reiterated that the Federal Government will not engage in unsustainable fiscal practices:
“Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,” he said, stressing that all commitments must align with approved budgetary provisions to guarantee long-term stability.
The Minister expressed optimism that the current wave of reforms and fiscal interventions will usher in lasting industrial harmony, restore confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, and strengthen institutional capacity for national development.
Recognition of Leadership and Progress
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering dedication to the education sector, noting that several challenges that had persisted for decades are now being tackled decisively under his administration.
Official Contacts & Signature
Signed:
Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations
Federal Ministry of Education
Office Address:
1st Floor, Podium L, Federal Secretariat Phase 3, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja.
Official Email: press@education.gov.ng
Website: www.education.gov.ng
