Tinubu Govt Approves ₦2.31 Billion Payout To Clear Federal Universities Salary Backlog

The Federal Government has disbursed ₦2.31 billion to federal universities to clear outstanding arrears owed to academic and non-academic staff.

A statement issued on Thursday by the Personal Assistant on Special Duties to the President, Kamorudeen Yusuf, quoted the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, as saying the funds were processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and that universities would begin to receive payments immediately.

Alausa stressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to transparent, long-term reforms that prioritise staff welfare and guarantee financial sustainability across Nigeria’s universities.

He added that the government was finalising the release of third-party deductions and pension remittances to the Nigerian University Pension Management Company.

The Minister further disclosed that Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) would be fully integrated into university salaries by 2026 to ensure prompt and predictable payments.

He also confirmed that funding for the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities project had been sustained, in line with the administration’s pledge to strengthen infrastructure and academic standards.

On relations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Alausa assured that all engagements were being conducted “in good faith.”

He said:“Agreements will remain within realistic budgetary limits to maintain stability in the education sector.”

The disbursement comes on the heels of ASUU’s decision to suspend its two-week warning strike after fresh talks with the Federal Government.

It is believed that the release of ₦2.31bn is part of the Tinubu administration’s measures to rebuild trust with unions and ensure stability in Nigeria’s higher education sector.