In a renewed effort to strengthen Nigeria\u2019s higher education system, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to revitalising the tertiary education sector through sustained financial support, reforms, and continuous engagement with university unions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Minister of Education, Chief (Dr.) Maruf Olatunji Alausa<\/strong>, FAMedS, CON, disclosed this during a briefing on the government\u2019s ongoing interactions with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)<\/strong> and other tertiary institution unions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Dr. Alausa, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu<\/strong> remains resolute in addressing long-standing issues surrounding staff welfare, funding, and institutional development \u201cin a fair, transparent, and sustainable manner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Highlighting recent interventions, the Education Minister announced that the Federal Government has released \u20a62.3 billion<\/strong> \u2014 representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears<\/strong> \u2014 to public universities across Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The funds, disbursed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF)<\/strong>, reflect the administration\u2019s drive to clear inherited obligations and enhance the welfare of both academic and non-academic staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA total of \u20a62.311 billion has been disbursed, and universities will start receiving payment alerts soon,\u201d Dr. Alausa confirmed.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n He also revealed that the Ministry of Finance<\/strong> and the OAGF<\/strong> are finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances<\/strong> to the Nigerian University Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO)<\/strong> in the coming days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a major policy shift, Dr. Alausa disclosed that the Federal Government has approved the mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA)<\/strong> into university salaries beginning 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He explained that this decision aims to eliminate payment delays and ensure predictable remuneration for academic staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, new funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities<\/strong> initiative, with continued budgetary support to maintain the programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Alausa stressed that these measures underscore the Tinubu administration\u2019s dedication to resolving systemic challenges that have plagued Nigeria\u2019s university system for decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn the past 26 months, the Federal Government has cleared a significant portion of inherited obligations while maintaining open and honest dialogue with university-based unions,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\u20a62.3bn Released to Clear Salary and Promotion Arrears<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Earned Academic Allowance to Be Mainstreamed from 2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Reforms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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