Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has said the Federal Government had released N2.3 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears to universities across the country.

The fund is expected to be used to clear salary backlogs as well as promotion arrears of teaching and non-academic workers in public universities.

Alausa explained that the disbursements, processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), reflected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s resolve to clear inherited backlogs and enhance the welfare of educators.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the minister said: “A total of N2.311 billion, representing Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears, has been released through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to universities. Beneficiary institutions should begin to receive payment alerts anytime from now.”

Alausa said the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Finance and the OAGF, was finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to Nigerian University Pension Management (NUPEMCO), expected to be completed in the coming days.

The minister said the government had approved the full mainstreaming of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university workers’ salaries, beginning from next year.

He noted that this would ensure prompt, predictable, and sustainable payments going forward.

According to him, funds have also been released under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities, with corresponding budgetary provisions made to sustain the initiative.

Alausa said these measures demonstrated the government’s strong commitment to improving academic workers’ welfare and addressing the challenges that have persisted for decades.

“Within the last 26 months, the Federal Government has paid a significant portion of outstanding obligations while maintaining open communication with all academic and non-academic unions of tertiary institutions.

“The Federal Ministry of Education assures that these engagements are being conducted truthfully and in good faith. However, while the government remains committed to improving workers’ welfare, it will only enter into agreements that are realistic and financially sustainable,” he said.

The minister explained that the Yayale Ahmed Negotiating Committee continued to serve as a bridge between the Federal Government and the tertiary institutions’ unions, ensuring that all pending welfare-related issues are addressed through honest and mutually respectful dialogue.

“Negotiations are being conducted sincerely, mutually, and respectfully.

“Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,” Alausa said.

The minister stressed that all commitments must align with approved budgetary provisions to guarantee long-term stability.

He praised President Tinubu for his unwavering dedication to the education sector, noting that several challenges that had persisted for decades were being tackled decisively under his administration.

Alausa expressed optimism that the current wave of reforms and fiscal interventions would usher in lasting industrial harmony, restore confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, and strengthen institutional capacity for national development.