The Federal Government has released N2.31 billion to federal universities to clear outstanding arrears owed to academic and non-academic staff.
A statement issued on Thursday by Kamorudeen Yusuf, Personal Assistant on Special Duties to the President, quoted the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, as saying that the funds were processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and that universities would begin to receive payments immediately.
Alausa said the move underscores President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to transparent, long-term reforms aimed at ensuring staff welfare and financial sustainability within the tertiary education system.
He added that the administration was also finalising the release of third-party deductions and pension remittances to the Nigerian University Pension Management Company.
According to the minister, the government plans to fully integrate Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) into university salaries by 2026 to guarantee prompt and predictable payments. Funding for the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities project has also been sustained.
Alausa reaffirmed that all engagements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other campus unions are being conducted in good faith, noting that all agreements would remain within realistic budgetary limits to ensure long-term stability in the education sector.
The development follows ASUU’s recent decision to suspend its two-week warning strike after renewed negotiations with the Federal Government.