By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Federal Government has released a total of N2.31 billion to federal universities to settle outstanding arrears owed to both academic and non-academic staff.
This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday by Kamorudeen Yusuf, Personal Assistant on Special Duties to the President. According to him, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, confirmed that the payments were processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and that universities would begin to receive the funds without delay.
Dr Alausa reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to transparent and sustainable reforms aimed at improving staff welfare and ensuring long-term financial stability in the education sector.
He further revealed that the administration is concluding arrangements for the release of third-party deductions and pension remittances to the Nigerian University Pension Management system.
The Minister noted that the government plans to fully integrate Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) into university payrolls by 2026 to promote consistent and timely payments. He also assured that funding for the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities project remains ongoing.
Alausa added that all ongoing discussions with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other unions are being held in good faith, emphasising that any agreements reached will align with realistic budgetary provisions to preserve stability in the education system.
The government’s action follows ASUU’s decision to call off its two-week warning strike after fresh negotiations with federal authorities.