FG Releases ₦2.3bn to Universities, Plans to Merge Earned Allowances into Salaries by 2026
Story: written by Daniel October 30, 2025
The Federal Government has disbursed ₦2.3 billion to university-based unions to clear outstanding arrears and enhance staff welfare, signaling renewed efforts to resolve long-standing disputes within the tertiary education sector.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the release on Wednesday in Abuja, noting that the funds were approved through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and would start reflecting in the accounts of benefiting institutions soon.
According to Alausa, the intervention demonstrates the administration’s determination to tackle welfare and funding challenges in universities through sustained fiscal reforms and constructive dialogue with unions.
He revealed that the Ministry of Finance and the Accountant-General’s Office are also concluding arrangements to release third-party non-statutory deductions and pending pension remittances.
In a major policy shift, the minister disclosed plans to integrate the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into staff salaries by 2026, ensuring more consistent and transparent payments.
Alausa further stated that funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities Project, with provisions made in the 2025 budget to sustain the initiative.
He reaffirmed that the government remains committed to ongoing talks with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary unions through the Yayale Ahmed-led committee, stressing that all negotiations are conducted “in good faith and within budgetary limits.”
“Our approach is to resolve all issues responsibly and sustainably, prioritizing the stability and progress of our education system,” he said.
