By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The Federal Government has approved the release of ₦2.3 billion for the payment of outstanding salary and promotion arrears owed to lecturers in public universities.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, made the announcement on Wednesday during a briefing on the government’s ongoing negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary institution unions.
Minister Alausa stated that President Bola Tinubu is dedicated to settling all outstanding welfare and funding issues in a “transparent, fair and sustainable manner.”
Furthermore, the government has approved a significant policy change to prevent future arrears. Starting from 2026, Earned Academic Allowances will be fully integrated into the core salaries of university lecturers.
This measure, according to the Minister, is designed to ensure “prompt, predictable, and sustainable payments” of staff entitlements.