Tunji Alausa
By Tosin Ogunrinde
The Federal Government has released N2.3 billion to university-based unions to clear outstanding salary and promotion arrears owed to non-academic staff in federal universities across the country. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced that the funds were processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and would be received by universities shortly.
The N2.311 billion released is for Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, and the government is committed to clearing all outstanding debts. The minister assured that the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) will be fully integrated into university staff salaries starting from 2026, ensuring predictable payments. This move aims to address long-standing challenges in the tertiary education sector and promote industrial harmony.
The government has been working to resolve welfare and funding challenges in the education sector through fiscal interventions, policy reforms, and dialogue with unions. The release of these funds demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of university staff and promoting a stable academic environment.
The government has also taken steps to address the issue of funding for universities, with the minister highlighting the need for fiscal interventions to support the sector. The release of funds is expected to bring relief to university staff who have been waiting for their arrears to be paid. The government is working to ensure that all outstanding debts are cleared, and that the education sector is adequately funded to promote academic excellence.
