FG Releases ₦2.3bn to Settle University Salary and Promotion Arrears

By Sulaimon Popoola

The Federal Government has released ₦2.3 billion to pay outstanding salaries and promotion arrears owed to staff in federal universities across Nigeria.

According to the Ministry of Education, the payment — known as Batch 8 — has been processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and workers are expected to start receiving their money immediately, Galaxy TV reports.

In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the move shows the Tinubu administration’s commitment to clearing old debts and improving the welfare of university staff.

Dr. Alausa also explained that the Ministry of Finance and the Accountant-General’s office are working to complete the payment of third-party deductions and pension remittances to NUPEMCO soon.

He further revealed that from 2026, the Federal Government has approved that the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) be included directly in university workers’ regular salaries to ensure steady and timely payment.

The minister added that money has also been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities programme, with funds set aside in the national budget to keep it going.

Dr. Alausa noted that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to act as a link between the government and unions in the tertiary education sector to maintain dialogue and peace.