By: Adeyemi Favour 

The Nigerian Federal Government, on Wednesday, October 29,  2025, through the Ministry of Education, disclosed the disbursement of the sum of N2.3bn to clear salary and promotion arrears owed to lecturers across Nigerian universities.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, the payment represents Batch 8 of the salary and promotion arrears processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, stated that the disbursement reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to resolving long-standing welfare issues in the tertiary education sector in a transparent and sustainable manner.

“A total of N2.31bn, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, has been released through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to universities. Benefiting institutions should begin to receive payment alerts anytime from now,” Tunji Alausa said.

He added that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Finance and the OAGF, would finalize the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances, which are expected to be completed in the coming days.

Alausa also announced that the government has approved the full mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance into university staff salaries from 2026, to ensure predictable and timely payments going forward.

“The Federal Ministry of Education assures that these engagements are being conducted truthfully and in good faith. While the government remains committed to improving staff welfare, it will only enter into agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable,” he explained.

He further noted that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to serve as a bridge between the Federal Government and university unions, with the aim of resolving outstanding welfare-related disputes through honest and respectful dialogue.

“Negotiations are being conducted sincerely, mutually, and respectfully,” he added. “Our priority is to ensure all matters are addressed responsibly and within approved budgetary provisions to guarantee long-term stability,” he added.

Credit: PUNCH NEWSPAPER