By Gabriel Ameh
Tinubu Administration prioritizes academic welfare, promises sustainable education reforms
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s tertiary education system through decisive financial interventions, transparent policy reforms, and sustained dialogue with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university-based unions.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Folasade Boriowo Director, Press and Public Relations Federal Ministry of Education
29th October, 2025
The Minister of Education, Chief (Dr.) Maruf Olatunji Alausa, FAMedS, CON, disclosed this while giving an update on ongoing engagements between the Federal Government and tertiary institution unions. He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in his determination to address all lingering welfare and funding challenges in a fair and sustainable manner.
Dr. Alausa revealed that the Federal Government has released ₦2.311 billion representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears to federal universities across the country. The payments, processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), mark another step in the administration’s effort to clear inherited obligations and improve the welfare of academic and non-academic staff.
“Benefiting institutions should begin to receive payment alerts anytime from now,” the Minister said.
He further disclosed that the government, through the Ministry of Finance and the OAGF, is finalizing the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to NUPEMCO, expected to be completed in the coming days.
In a major policy shift, the Minister announced that the Federal Government has approved the full mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries from 2026, ensuring prompt and predictable payments going forward.
Dr. Alausa also confirmed that funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities initiative, with budgetary provisions made to sustain it.
“These interventions demonstrate the government’s strong commitment to staff welfare and the long-term stability of the tertiary education sector,” he noted.
According to the Minister, the Federal Government has cleared a significant portion of outstanding obligations to university staff within the last 26 months, while maintaining open communication with all academic and non-academic unions.
He stressed that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to act as a bridge between the government and university unions, ensuring that all welfare-related concerns are addressed through honest and respectful dialogue.
“Negotiations are being conducted sincerely, mutually, and with respect,” Dr. Alausa assured.
“However, while we remain committed to improving staff welfare, the Federal Government will only enter into agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable.”
Dr. Alausa emphasized that the Tinubu Administration would not adopt unsustainable fiscal practices, noting that all commitments must align with budgetary provisions to ensure long-term stability.
He commended President Tinubu’s decisive reforms and commitment to education, stressing that long-standing challenges are being addressed through purposeful leadership and collaboration.
“We are confident that these reforms will restore confidence in our universities, promote industrial harmony, and strengthen the capacity of our tertiary institutions to drive national development,” he concluded.
