The Federal Government has released N2.3 billion to settle outstanding salary and promotion arrears owed to teaching and non-teaching staff in public universities across the country.
The Ministry of Education confirmed that the funds represent the eighth batch of arrears processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
According to a statement by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the release of the funds reflects the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of university workers and addressing backlogs inherited from previous administrations. Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said affected institutions will begin to receive their payments soon.
Dr. Alausa explained that part of the N2.3 billion will also be used to clear third-party deductions, including pension remittances due to the Nigerian University Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO). He added that the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring regular payment of allowances and other entitlements.
The minister further revealed that the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) will be fully integrated into the salaries of university staff from next year to ensure prompt and sustainable payment. He also disclosed that funding for the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities project has been released, with provisions already made for its continuation.
Dr. Alausa reassured university unions that the government is determined to fulfill its promises, noting that recent discussions with staff representatives have been conducted in a spirit of respect and transparency. “Our negotiations are sincere and focused on achieving solutions that are sustainable,” he said.
The Federal Government has over the past two years intensified efforts to clear salary arrears and improve funding for tertiary institutions as part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education sector.
