The Federal Government has released ₦2.3 billion to settle outstanding salary and promotion arrears owed to lecturers in Nigerian universities.
The move forms part of ongoing efforts to prevent an imminent strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the fund’s release on Wednesday while providing updates on discussions between the government, ASUU, and other tertiary institution unions.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, the payment represents Batch 8 of the arrears processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
Alausa noted that the disbursement demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing long-standing welfare concerns in the tertiary education sector transparently and sustainably.
“A total of ₦2.31 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 shortly,” the minister stated.
He further disclosed that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Accountant-General’s office, is finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances, expected to be completed soon.
The minister also announced the government’s approval for the full integration of the Earned Academic Allowance into university salary structures beginning in 2026, ensuring timely and predictable payments in the future.
In addition, funds have been disbursed under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities initiative, with fresh budgetary allocations made to sustain the programme.
“The Federal Ministry of Education assures that these engagements are being conducted sincerely and in good faith,” Alausa said. “While the government remains dedicated to improving staff welfare, all agreements must be realistic and financially sustainable.”
He added that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to serve as a link between the government and university unions, working to resolve outstanding welfare matters through open and respectful dialogue.
“Negotiations are being handled with sincerity and mutual respect,” he noted. “Our priority is to ensure all issues are addressed responsibly and within approved budgetary limits to promote long-term stability.”
Despite the announcement, several lecturers reported that their October 2025 salaries had not yet been paid.
A lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, speaking anonymously, said, “October salaries have not been paid. We are surprised at the ministry’s announcement.”
Another lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, shared similar frustration, stating that salary delays have become frequent.
An ASUU branch chairman from a northern university confirmed that no payments had been received so far.
ASUU and the Federal Government have been at odds over unpaid salaries, withheld arrears, and delays in implementing the renegotiated 2009 ASUU–FG agreement.
The union recently suspended a two-week warning strike following interventions by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the National Assembly.
ASUU’s main demands include payment of withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries, release of revitalisation funds for universities, implementation of the 2009 agreement, and settlement of promotion arrears and cooperative deductions.
The latest renegotiation committee, chaired by Yayale Ahmed, submitted its report in December 2024, but implementation has not yet commenced.
