The Federal Government has released N50 billion to settle outstanding earned allowances owed to academic and non-academic staff in federal universities, fulfilling a promise made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, announced the release in a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, on Wednesday in Abuja. The payment, described as a significant step toward improving the welfare of university workers, is part of the administration’s broader agenda to revamp Nigeria’s education sector.
Dr. Alausa noted that this intervention goes beyond a financial commitment, representing a reaffirmation of the President’s belief in the transformative power of education and the vital role of university staff in shaping the future of Nigerian youth. He stressed that prioritising the welfare of academic communities is central to ensuring quality education and creating a globally competitive system.
He also acknowledged the peaceful atmosphere currently prevailing across federal universities, attributing it to the trust and cooperation of both academic and non-academic unions. “Nigeria is witnessing one of the longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history,” he said, adding that the administration remains committed to eliminating strikes in the education sector.
President Tinubu was quoted as 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—forever.”
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to continue working with all stakeholders to ensure every Nigerian child has access to quality, globally competitive education. He described the move as a critical milestone in the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and a strong signal of the government’s intent to transform the education sector into a model for the continent.
