Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced that the Federal Government has released ₦2.3 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, to universities across the country.
The fund is intended to clear salary backlogs as well as promotion arrears for teaching and non-academic staff in public universities.
The Minister explained that the disbursements, processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), reflect the President Bola Tinubu Administration’s commitment to addressing inherited backlogs and improving the welfare of staff in the tertiary education sector.
In a statement on Wednesday, issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, the Minister said: “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 receiving payment alerts anytime from now.”
Alausa added that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Finance and the OAGF, is finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to the Nigerian University Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO), expected to be completed in the coming days.
He further noted that the government has approved the full mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries beginning in 2026.
“This will ensure prompt, predictable, and sustainable payments going forward,” he said. In addition, funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities, with corresponding budgetary provisions made to sustain the initiative.
According to Alausa, these measures demonstrate the government’s strong commitment to improving academic staff welfare and addressing long-standing challenges that have persisted for decades.
“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 of tertiary institutions.
“The Federal Ministry of Education assures that these engagements are conducted transparently and in good faith. While the government remains committed to improving staff welfare, it will only enter into agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable,” Alausa added.
He explained that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to serve as a bridge between the Federal Government and tertiary institution unions, ensuring that all pending welfare-related issues are addressed through honest and mutually respectful dialogue.
“Negotiations are being conducted sincerely, mutually, and respectfully,” he emphasized, noting 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,” the Minister said.
He stressed that all commitments must align with approved budgetary provisions to guarantee long-term stability.
Alausa commended President 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.
He 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.
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