The Nigerian government has taken a major step in resolving long-standing salary and promotion arrears owed to university lecturers nationwide, releasing ₦2.3 billion for Batch 8 arrears, according to Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa. The funds have been processed under oversight of the Office of the Accountant-General and universities eligible are expected to receive payment notifications imminently.
Dr. Alausa emphasized President Tinubu’s determination to address welfare and funding issues in a transparent and sustainable way, highlighting the government’s goal to rebuild trust through consistency in salary payments. Starting from the 2026 payroll, the Earned Academic Allowance, a key but previously irregular benefit, will be fully integrated into salaries, preventing recurrent payment delays that often triggered strikes.
Besides arrears payments, the Ministry of Finance and Accountant-General’s Office are finalizing releases of third-party deductions and pension remittances, with disbursements expected soon to clear outstanding obligations inherited from previous administrations. The Ministry also unveiled continued financial support for the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities initiative with new budgetary provisions.
This development follows engagements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary institution unions. ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna confirmed the union called off a two-week warning strike after constructive talks and legislative intervention, signaling a new phase of dialogue and cooperation between government and academic staff.
The release of the ₦2.3 billion is a concrete step toward resolving decades-old financial challenges in Nigeria’s university systems, aiming to improve staff welfare and stabilize academic activities nationwide. This initiative reflects a renewed government commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness, and sustainability in funding higher education institutions across the country.
