By John Umeh
In a move aimed at restoring industrial harmony in the nation’s tertiary institutions, the Federal Government of Nigeria has released a total of ₦2.3 billion to federal universities to clear outstanding arrears owed to both academic and non-academic staff. The disbursement comes just days after the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) suspended its two-week warning strike, following renewed negotiations with the government.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, October 30, 2025, by Kamorudeen Yusuf, the Personal Assistant on Special Duties to the President, the funds were processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and released under the supervision of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. The Minister confirmed that universities would begin to receive payments immediately, assuring that the gesture underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and transparency within Nigeria’s university system.
A Renewed Commitment to Educational Stability
Dr. Alausa emphasized that the payment represents part of the government’s broader effort to address long-standing financial issues in the education sector. He reiterated that President Tinubu remains dedicated to implementing reforms that will not only improve staff welfare but also guarantee the long-term financial sustainability of federal universities.
“The Federal Government recognizes the critical role of our universities in national development. This release is one of several interventions aimed at ensuring our academic institutions remain functional, stable, and globally competitive,” Alausa said.
The Minister further revealed that the government is finalizing the release of third-party deductions, including pension remittances and cooperative dues owed to the Nigerian University Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO). This step, he said, would help restore confidence among university workers and strengthen the government’s reputation for honoring its commitments.
Earned Allowances and Future Reforms
In addition to the payment of arrears, the Federal Government announced plans to fully integrate Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) into the university payroll system by 2026. This integration, once completed, is expected to make allowance payments more predictable, timely, and transparent.
The Minister also disclosed that funding for the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities project—an initiative designed to improve infrastructure, teaching facilities, and research output across universities—has been sustained despite fiscal challenges. “We are ensuring that the ongoing reforms in the education sector are inclusive and sustainable. The ultimate goal is to strengthen the foundation of higher education in Nigeria,” Alausa explained.
ASUU’s Reaction and the Path Ahead
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had embarked on a two-week warning strike earlier in October, citing unpaid allowances, delayed salary adjustments, and unfulfilled agreements with the government. The suspension of the strike followed what the union described as “constructive engagement” with top government officials and a firm promise to address their demands within set timelines.
While ASUU welcomed the release of the ₦2.3 billion, some union leaders expressed cautious optimism, urging the government to fulfill all outstanding commitments to avoid further disruptions. “This payment is a positive development, but we will continue to hold the government accountable to its promises. Our members have endured long periods of neglect, and it is time for lasting solutions,” one ASUU official said.
The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) also lauded the disbursement but called for inclusivity and transparency in the allocation process to ensure that all categories of university workers benefit from the funds.
Ensuring Sustainable Peace in Universities
Observers say the government’s latest intervention could mark a turning point in its relationship with the academic unions if followed through with sincerity and consistency. Over the years, recurrent strikes have disrupted academic calendars, delayed graduations, and contributed to the decline in the global ranking of Nigerian universities.
Education policy experts have advised that beyond financial settlements, the government must institutionalize mechanisms for dispute resolution, improve university autonomy, and prioritize funding for research and innovation. “The frequent cycle of strikes and negotiations is unsustainable. What the sector needs is a permanent framework that ensures both accountability and predictability,” said one education analyst.
As the funds are disbursed and universities resume normal operations, all eyes will be on the Federal Government to see whether this marks the beginning of a new era of stability or just another temporary truce in the long-running struggle between ASUU and the authorities.
With the release of ₦2.3 billion and renewed commitments to reform, the Tinubu administration is signaling its readiness to rebuild trust in the education sector. The coming months will reveal whether these promises will translate into lasting peace and progress for Nigeria’s university system.
