The Federal Government has released N2.3 billion to universities for salary and promotion arrears, part of efforts to address ASUU’s demands and prevent another strike
FG Moves To Implement ASUU Demands, Releases N2.3bn for Salary, Promotion Arrears
The Federal Government has announced it has begun implementing key aspects of the demands made by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in a renewed effort to avert another industrial strike.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the government has released ₦2.3 billion to universities across the country for “Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears.”
The announcement was made in a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, detailing progress in the ongoing dialogue between the government and ASUU.
According to Alausa, the funds have been released through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), and universities are expected to start receiving payments shortly.
“The government has disbursed N2.3 billion for Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears to universities. Payments have been processed through the Accountant-General’s office, and disbursements will begin reaching institutions soon,” Alausa said.
The minister further disclosed that the government is finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to the Nigerian University Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO), with completion expected “in the coming days.”
He also revealed that the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) will be fully mainstreamed into university staff salaries beginning in 2026, marking a major step toward institutionalising predictable academic compensation.
“Funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities, with budgetary provisions made to sustain the initiative. This will ensure prompt, predictable, and sustainable payments going forward,” the minister added.
ASUU had recently declared a two-week warning strike over the government’s failure to address long-standing demands, including the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FG-ASUU Agreement, release of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries, sustainable funding of public universities, and the revitalisation of higher institutions.
The union, however, suspended the strike after ten days, citing “fruitful engagement” with government representatives, but warned it would resume the industrial action if talks collapsed.
Dr. Alausa reaffirmed that the administration remains committed to revitalising tertiary institutions through fiscal reforms, targeted interventions, and continuous engagement with academic unions.
He said the Yayale Ahmed-led negotiation committee will sustain dialogue with all university-based unions to address pending welfare and institutional concerns through “honest and mutually respectful dialogue.”
“Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,” the minister stated, noting that all government commitments must align with approved budgetary provisions to guarantee long-term stability. Read More
