By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
The Federal Government has taken steps to address the challenges facing tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
A total of N2.3 billion has been released to Universities to clear outstanding arrears owed to staff.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalising the education sector through fiscal interventions, policy reforms, and dialogue with unions.
The released funds include:
– N2.311 billion to Universities to clear inherited backlogs and improve staff welfare.
– Third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to NUPEMCO, expected to be completed soon.
– Funds under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities project, with corresponding budgetary provisions to sustain the initiative.
The Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) will be mainstreamed into University staff salaries from 2026, ensuring prompt and sustainable payments. The government is committed to improving academic staff welfare and addressing long-standing challenges.
Dr Tunji Alausa assured that the government’s engagements with ASUU and other unions are being conducted “truthfully and in good faith.” He emphasised that agreements will be realistic and financially sustainable, with priority on responsible fiscal practices.
