FG CLEARS SALARY BACKLOGS, STRENGTHENS DIALOGUE WITH ASUU

FG CLEARS SALARY BACKLOGS, STRENGTHENS DIALOGUE WITH ASUU

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s tertiary education system through renewed dialogue with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the release of funds to clear salary arrears, and broader reforms aimed at strengthening academic staff welfare.

The Minister of Education, Chief (Dr.) Maruf Olatunji Alausa, FAMedS, CON, disclosed this on Tuesday while giving updates on ongoing engagements with ASUU and other tertiary institution unions in Abuja.

Dr. Alausa announced that the government has released ₦2.3 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, to universities across the country. The disbursement, processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), forms part of the Tinubu administration’s efforts to offset inherited backlogs and improve the welfare of both academic and non-academic university staff. “A total of ₦2.311 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, has been released through the OAGF to universities. Benefiting institutions should begin to receive payment alerts anytime from now,” Dr. Alausa said.

He further revealed that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Finance and the OAGF, is finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to the Nigerian University Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO), expected to be completed within days.

The Minister also disclosed that the government has approved the full integration of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries from 2026, to ensure regular and predictable payments. He added that funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities Programme, with provisions made for its sustainability in subsequent budgets.

According to Dr. Alausa, the series of interventions underscore the Federal Government’s resolve to address long-standing welfare challenges in the education sector. “Within the last twenty-six months, the Federal Government has settled a significant portion of outstanding obligations while maintaining open communication with all academic and non-academic unions of tertiary institutions,” he stated.

He explained that the ongoing negotiations with university unions are being conducted in good faith and anchored on financial sustainability. “While the government is committed to improving staff welfare, it will only enter into agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable,” he added.

Dr. Alausa highlighted the efforts of the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee, which serves as a bridge between the Federal Government and university unions, ensuring that all welfare-related matters are addressed through mutual dialogue.

He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support for the education sector, noting that several challenges that had persisted for decades are now being tackled decisively under his administration.

The Minister expressed optimism that the ongoing fiscal reforms and policy interventions would usher in lasting industrial harmony, restore confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, and strengthen institutional capacity for national development.