- FG Moves to Rebuild Trust with ASUU as ₦2.3bn Arrears Released to Universities
- Dr. Alausa disclosed that Tinubu’s administration had released ₦2.3 billion as Batch 8 payments for outstanding salary and promotion
- The Minister emphasised that all negotiations with ASUU and other tertiary unions are being conducted “truthfully, mutually, and respectfully”
In a renewed effort to restore stability and confidence in Nigeria’s public university system, the Federal Government has begun clearing inherited salary and promotion arrears while pursuing broader reforms to end recurring disputes with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Education Minister Chief (Dr.) Maruf Olatunji Alausa disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration had released ₦2.3 billion as Batch 8 payments for outstanding salary and promotion arrears to universities across the country.
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According to the Minister, the funds were processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) and reflect the government’s intention to rebuild trust through fiscal transparency and consistent engagement with unions.
“Benefiting institutions should begin to receive payment alerts anytime from now,” Dr Alausa said, describing the move as part of a sustained effort to address staff welfare issues that have lingered for years.
He revealed that the government is also finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to NUPEMCO, expected to be completed in the coming days.
Beyond immediate payments, Dr Alausa announced that the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) will be fully mainstreamed into university staff salaries from 2026, ensuring more predictable and sustainable disbursements going forward.
He added that additional funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities (NANU) programme, with new budgetary provisions to sustain it.
“These reforms go beyond one-off payments,” the Minister explained. “They demonstrate the government’s resolve to end the cycle of crises by addressing the root causes — welfare, infrastructure, and institutional autonomy.”
The Minister emphasised that all negotiations with ASUU and other tertiary unions are being conducted “truthfully, mutually, and respectfully” under the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee, which serves as the bridge between the unions and government.
Dr Alausa noted that while the Federal Government remains committed to improving staff welfare, future agreements would only be signed if they are financially sustainable.
“We will not engage in unsustainable fiscal practices,” he stated. “All commitments must align with approved budgetary provisions to ensure long-term stability in the education sector.”
He credited President Tinubu for prioritising education reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying long-standing challenges that had persisted for decades are now being tackled decisively.
Observers say the recent disbursement marks one of the clearest attempts by the Federal Government to repair strained relations with ASUU after years of mistrust and industrial action that paralysed universities nationwide.
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