…Says Earned Allowances to be Mainstreamed by 2026
Omobolaji Adekunle
The Federal Government has released N2.3 billion to federal universities to clear outstanding salary and promotion arrears, reaffirming its commitment to ongoing dialogue with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university based unions.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, disclosed this yesterday while providing updates on the government’s engagements with ASUU, noting that the payment was processed through the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF).
Alausa said the release of the funds reflects President Bola Tinubu’s determination to address long-standing welfare and funding issues in the university system.
“A total of N2.311 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,” the Minister said.
He further revealed that the government is concluding arrangements for the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to NUPEMCO, adding that the process will be completed in the coming days.
Alausa also announced that the Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) will be fully mainstreamed into university staff salaries beginning from 2026, to ensure prompt and sustainable payment.
“This will ensure predictable, transparent, and sustainable payments going forward,” he noted.
The Minister disclosed that additional funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities, with budgetary provisions made to sustain the intervention programme in future fiscal cycles.
Alausa reiterated that the government remains committed to resolving long standing issues with ASUU and other unions in a manner that is transparent and financially responsible.
“The Federal Ministry of Education assures that all engagements with the unions are being conducted truthfully and in good faith. However, while government remains committed to improving staff welfare, it will only enter into agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable,” he said.
He noted that the Yayale Ahmed led Negotiating Committee continues to serve as a bridge between the government and tertiary institution unions, facilitating ongoing discussions on salary structures and other welfare matters.
Alausa commended President Tinubu for his dedication to revitalising the education sector, adding that dialogue remains the most effective approach to achieving lasting peace and stability in universities.
“Negotiations are being conducted sincerely, mutually, and respectfully. Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,” the Minister added.
