The Federal Government has released ₦2.3 billion to universities nationwide to clear outstanding salary and promotion arrears owed to lecturers, reaffirming its commitment to revamping Nigeria’s tertiary education system through fiscal reforms and sustained dialogue with unions.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who disclosed this in Abuja, said the funds—representing Batch 8 arrears—were processed via the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. He added that the government is finalizing payments for pension remittances and third-party deductions, and has approved the mainstreaming of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) into salaries starting from 2026.
Alausa emphasized that all agreements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) would be realistic and financially sustainable, stressing the Tinubu administration’s resolve to settle inherited debts while maintaining fiscal discipline.
However, several lecturers told reporters that October 2025 salaries remain unpaid, casting doubt on the government’s claim. Some lecturers from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and FUT Minna said they were yet to receive any payment alerts.
ASUU, which recently suspended a two-week warning strike, continues to press for the implementation of the 2009 renegotiated agreement, payment of withheld salaries, and improved funding for public universities.
Credit: Punch Newspaper