In a significant move to address long-standing grievances within Nigeria’s federal university system, President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate release of 50 billion naira to settle earned allowances owed to academic and non-academic staff.
The disbursement, confirmed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, was announced on Wednesday, April 23.
The Education Minister emphasized that the decision reflects Tinubu’s vision to reposition Nigeria’s education sector and transition into a knowledge-driven economy.
“This intervention is not just a financial transaction—it is a reaffirmation of our President’s belief in the capacity of Nigerian youth and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic staff play in nurturing them.”
“By prioritising their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education.” Alausa stated.
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A statement released by the Federal Ministry of Education’s Director of Press, Folasade Boriowo, revealed that the funds cover outstanding entitlements that have contributed to recurring strikes in the nation’s universities.
Beneficiaries include members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).
Boriowo also described the payment as another sign of Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to educational reform.
“It reflects the administration’s bold resolve to transition the nation from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and human capital,” she said.
President Tinubu extended his appreciation to university staff unions for maintaining peace and cooperation across campuses, attributing the nation’s current stability in the education sector to mutual understanding between the government and university communities.
“Notably, the country is currently experiencing one of the longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history—a feat attributed to the mutual understanding and shared commitment between the government and the university community,” the statement read.
The president reiterated the importance of education to his administration’s agenda, saying, “The youth are the heartbeat of our country. Their future is extremely important to me and my administration. Keeping our children in school is not negotiable. It is my commitment that strikes in our institutions will soon become a thing of the past.”
The payment is expected to help resolve some of the lingering issues that have led to frequent strikes in the past, particularly under the previous administration.
You will recall that federal varsities, ASUU, in particular, have long demanded the release of earned allowances, revitalisation funds for universities, and the implementation of agreements reached with the government dating as far back as 2009.
This latest intervention may signal a new chapter of stability and reform in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
