FG Engages ASUU: Clears Backlog, Improves Staff Welfare
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s tertiary education sector through decisive financial support, policy reforms, and ongoing 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, made this known while giving updates on current engagements with ASUU and other tertiary education unions. He stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains determined to resolve all pending welfare and funding concerns in a fair, transparent, and sustainable manner.
Federal Government Releases Funds for Salary and Promotion Arrears
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 payments, processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), reflect the administration’s resolve to clear inherited obligations and improve the welfare of academic and non-academic staff in public universities.
According to the Minister, a total of ₦2.311 billion has been disbursed, and benefiting universities are expected to receive payment alerts soon. He also confirmed that the Ministry of Finance and the OAGF are finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to NUPEMCO, which will be completed in the coming days.
Dr. Alausa further revealed that the government has approved the mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university salaries beginning in 2026. This policy aims to ensure predictable and prompt payments. He added that additional funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities, with ongoing budgetary support to sustain the initiative.
Commitment to Sustainable Academic Reforms
The Minister reaffirmed that these steps demonstrate the government’s strong commitment to improving academic staff welfare and resolving long-standing challenges that have persisted for decades. Over the past twenty-six months, the Federal Government has cleared a large portion of outstanding financial obligations while maintaining open dialogue with all academic and non-academic unions in tertiary institutions.
Dr. Alausa noted that the Ministry of Education conducts all engagements in good faith and within realistic financial limits. He emphasised that the government will only enter agreements that are responsible and sustainable.
The Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to serve as the bridge between the Federal Government and university-based unions, ensuring that all welfare-related issues are handled through honest and respectful discussion.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Tertiary Education System
Dr. Alausa praised President Tinubu for his consistent attention to education, stating that long-standing sectoral problems are now being tackled with renewed focus. He expressed optimism that the ongoing fiscal measures and reforms will bring lasting industrial peace, rebuild trust across campuses, and strengthen Nigeria’s universities for future growth.
The Federal Government remains focused on promoting stability, accountability, and continuous progress within the country’s higher education system.