The Federal Government has approved and released ₦2.3 billion to clear the salary and promotion arrears owed to teaching and non-teaching staff across public universities nationwide.
The Ministry of Education confirmed that the payment represents Batch 8 of the outstanding arrears aimed at addressing long-standing welfare concerns in the tertiary education sector.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Tunji Alausa, the ministry explained that the funds have been released through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to universities. “A total of ₦2.311 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, has been released. Benefiting institutions should begin to receive payment alerts anytime from now,” he said.
Alausa emphasized that the move reflects the government’s determination to clear inherited salary backlogs and improve the welfare of university staff. He noted that the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Office of the Accountant-General, is also finalizing the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to the Nigerian University Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO).
The statement further revealed that the government has approved the mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university workers’ salaries starting from 2026. According to the ministry, this measure will ensure more predictable and sustainable payment of allowances moving forward.
Additionally, Alausa stated that funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities initiative, with fresh budgetary allocations made to sustain it. He said the interventions demonstrate the Tinubu administration’s renewed commitment to strengthening the education system and resolving long-standing labour challenges within the sector.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing education, noting that issues that lingered for decades are now being addressed. “Our priority is to ensure that all matters are resolved responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,” he added, expressing confidence that the reforms will bring lasting industrial harmony and enhance the performance of Nigeria’s universities.