The Federal Government has released N2.3 billion to clear outstanding salary and promotion arrears owed to academic and non-academic staff in Nigerian universities.

The development was disclosed on Monday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, through a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo.

According to Alausa, the disbursement, processed via the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), is part of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to addressing inherited backlogs and improving the welfare of university staff.

A total of N2.311 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, has been released to universities, and affected staff are expected to start receiving payment alerts in the coming days.

The minister also announced that the government has approved the full integration of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university salaries starting in 2026, a move aimed at ensuring timely, predictable, and sustainable payments.

In addition, funds have been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities, with budgetary provisions made to sustain the initiative.

“The Federal Ministry of Education assures all stakeholders that these engagements are being conducted in good faith. While the government remains committed to staff welfare, it will only enter agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable,” Alausa said.

He noted that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continues to mediate between the government and tertiary institutions’ unions, ensuring that welfare issues are resolved through honest and mutually respectful dialogue.

Alausa stressed that all commitments must align with approved budgetary provisions to guarantee long-term stability and avoid unsustainable fiscal practices.

The minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his dedication to addressing long-standing challenges in the education sector and expressed optimism that ongoing reforms will foster industrial harmony, restore confidence in tertiary institutions, and strengthen national development.