The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has announced a series of concessions to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), including the immediate release of N2.3 billion for staff arrears.
The move was executed in bid to forestall another disruptive industrial action, just weeks after ASUU suspended a two-week warning strike, which was earlier called to protest the government’s perceived failure to honor previous agreements.
The disbursement was confirmed through the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, stating that the funds for ‘Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears’ have been processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) and are expected to reach universities shortly.
According to a statement from the ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, the government is taking tangible actions to address the core grievances that prompted the union’s recent industrial action.
Other key concessions and ongoing actions beyond the N2.3 Billion included the finalization of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances to the Nigerian University Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO), which is expected to be completed in the coming days.
Also, the government approved the full mainstreaming of the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) into university staff salaries, which is to be effective starting from 2026—a move to ensure prompt, predictable, and sustainable payments.
Funds under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities initiative have also been released, with future budgetary provisions already made to sustain the program.
ASUU’s recent two-week strike spanned ten days before it was finally suspended, following what the union described as “fruitful engagement” with government representatives. The union’s demands have included the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the release of withheld salaries, sustainable funding for public universities, and the revitalization of the tertiary education sector.
While suspending the strike, ASUU issued a stern warning that it would not hesitate to resume the action if negotiations with the government broke down.
Meanwhile, Mr Alausa reiterated the government’s commitment to preventing further disruptions in the academic calendar.
“Our priority is to ensure that all matters are addressed responsibly and in the best interest of our education system,” Alausa stated. He emphasized that the government is committed to “revitalising Nigerian tertiary institutions through decisive fiscal interventions, policy reforms, and sustained dialogue.”
He confirmed that the Yayale Ahmed negotiation committee would continue to engage with ASUU and other university-based unions to resolve all pending welfare-related issues through “honest and mutually respectful dialogue,” ensuring that all commitments align with approved budgetary provisions for long-term stability.