The Federal Government has announced the release of N2.3bn to settle salary and promotion arrears owed to university lecturers. The move is aimed at preventing a potential strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, confirmed the payment on Wednesday, stating it represents the eighth batch of such arrears processed by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
In a statement from the ministry, Alausa said the disbursement reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to resolving long-standing staff welfare issues in a “transparent and sustainable manner.”
“A total of N2.31bn, 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 anytime from now,” the minister said.
He added that the government is finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances, which are expected to be completed in the coming days.
The minister also announced that the government has approved the full integration of the Earned Academic Allowance into university staff salaries from 2026, to ensure more predictable and timely payments.
Funds have also been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities initiative, with new budgetary provisions to sustain it.
“The Federal Ministry of Education assures that these engagements are being conducted truthfully and in good faith,” Alausa said. “While the government remains committed to improving staff welfare, it will only enter into agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable.”
He explained that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to facilitate discussions between the government and university unions, aiming to resolve outstanding disputes through “honest and respectful dialogue.”
“Negotiations are being conducted sincerely, mutually, and respectfully,” he added. “Our priority is to ensure all matters are addressed responsibly and within approved budgetary provisions to guarantee long-term stability.”
However, several lecturers contacted on Wednesday reported that they had not yet received their October salaries, despite the government’s announcement.
A lecturer from Nnamdi Azikiwe University said, “I can say with all authority that October salaries have not been paid. We are surprised at the announcement by the ministry.”
Another academic from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, expressed frustration, saying, “It’s now becoming a trend. The government keeps delaying our salaries without any explanation.”
A branch chairman of ASUU at a northern university also confirmed the non-payment, stating, “We have not received a dime, not even our regular salaries.”
ASUU has been in prolonged discussions with the government over unpaid salaries, withheld arrears, and the implementation of the renegotiated 2009 agreement.
The union recently suspended a two-week warning strike after intervention from the Nigeria Labour Congress and the National Assembly.
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