The Federal Government has released ₦2.31 billion to federal universities across Nigeria to settle outstanding arrears owed to academic and non-academic staff, as part of ongoing efforts to stabilize the higher education sector.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, through Kamorudeen Yusuf, the Personal Assistant on Special Duties to the President. He confirmed that the funds were processed via the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and that payments to universities would begin immediately.
Dr. Alausa reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a transparent and sustainable reform process designed to improve staff welfare and ensure the long-term financial health of Nigeria’s public universities.
He disclosed that the government is also finalizing the release of third-party deductions and pension remittances to the Nigerian University Pension Management system. Additionally, the Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) are expected to be fully integrated into university salaries by 2026 to ensure predictable and timely payments.
The Minister added that funding for the ongoing Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities project has been sustained, reflecting the administration’s focus on infrastructure and quality education delivery.
Alausa emphasized that all engagements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other unions are being conducted in good faith, noting that all commitments will be made within realistic budgetary limits to maintain fiscal responsibility and sectoral stability.
This latest intervention comes shortly after ASUU suspended its two-week warning strike following renewed talks with the Federal Government — a move seen as a positive step toward resolving long-standing disputes in Nigeria’s university system.
