FG releases N2.3bn to clear salary, promotion arrears of varsity lecturers

FG releases N2.3bn to clear salary, promotion arrears of varsity lecturers

The Federal Government has announced the release of ₦2.3 billion to settle outstanding salary and promotion arrears owed to university lecturers across the country.

The payment, disclosed on Wednesday, is part of efforts to fulfil financial obligations to the academic workforce and stabilise Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the disbursement represents Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears and was processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. He added that benefiting institutions should begin receiving payment alerts.

“A total of ₦2.311 billion has been released to universities. This reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to clearing inherited backlogs and improving staff welfare,” Alausa said in a statement issued by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.

He further disclosed that the government is finalising the release of third-party deductions and pension remittances, and has approved the full mainstreaming of Earned Academic Allowance into university salaries from 2026.

Funds have also been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities, with budgetary provisions made to sustain the initiative.

Alausa assured that all engagements with unions are being conducted in good faith, adding that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to serve as a bridge between the government and tertiary institution unions.

“Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,” he said.

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However, several lecturers who spoke to Daily Trust expressed disappointment, saying October 2025 salaries remain unpaid despite the announcement.

A lecturer from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, said, “I can speak with all authority that the October salaries have not been paid, so we are surprised at the announcement.”

Another lecturer from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, said the delay in salary payments is becoming a trend.

“We have not received a dime, not even our salaries,” a union leader from a northern federal university told Daily Trust under anonymity.

ASUU has been in a prolonged standoff with the Federal Government over withheld salaries, promotion arrears, and the implementation of the renegotiated 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement.

The union recently suspended a two-week warning strike following interventions by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the National Assembly.

ASUU’s demands include payment of three-and-a-half months’ withheld salaries, revitalisation of public universities, sustainable funding, and the release of cooperative deductions.

The renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, last reviewed by the Yayale Ahmed Committee in December 2024, is yet to be implemented.

FG releases N2.3bn to clear salary, promotion arrears of varsity lecturers