It will be recalled that university-based unions, especially the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), have previously clashed with past administrations over issues including the non-payment of earned allowances and other welfare-related demands.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has released the sum of N50 billion for the payment of earned allowances to academic and non-academic staff of federal universities, fulfilling a promise earlier made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This was made known on Wednesday by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, in a statement signed by the Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo. The statement, titled “FG Releases N50bn Earned Allowances to Varsity Unions, Tinubu Reaffirms Education Priority,” underscores the administration’s commitment to repositioning the country’s education sector.
According to Dr Alausa, the disbursement is more than a routine financial gesture—it reflects President Tinubu’s deep-seated belief in the power of education to transform the nation and his recognition of the vital roles played by both academic and non-academic personnel in the university system.
“This intervention is a reaffirmation of our President’s confidence in the Nigerian youth and his appreciation of the critical contributions of university staff in shaping their future,” Alausa stated.
He noted that by prioritising the welfare of university workers, the government is laying a strong foundation for an education system that is not only qualitative but also competitive on a global scale.
President Tinubu, in the statement, expressed profound appreciation to the academic unions for maintaining industrial harmony in federal institutions. He praised their cooperation and sustained faith in his administration’s vision for education reform.
The President remarked, “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 Education Ministry also highlighted that the nation is currently witnessing one of its longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent years—a development attributed to the improved understanding and collaboration between the government and the university community.
It will be recalled that university-based unions, especially the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), have previously clashed with past administrations over issues including the non-payment of earned allowances and other welfare-related demands.
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