The Federal Government has released N50 billion to settle unpaid earned allowances owed to academic and non-academic staff of federal universities.

This was revealed by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, in a statement shared by the ministry’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, on Wednesday.

According to him, the disbursement fulfils a promise made by President Bola Tinubu to the university unions.

Also, the statement stated that the payment reflects the president’s dedication to revamping Nigeria’s education system and shifting the country’s focus from depending on resources to building a knowledge-driven economy. This, it said, would be achieved through meaningful investments in education, infrastructure, and people.

Dr Alausa emphasized that the move is more than just settling debts. He described it as a show of faith in young Nigerians and a recognition of the vital role played by university staff in shaping the next generation. He also assured that efforts are ongoing to ensure that strikes in the university system become a thing of the past.

For years, academic unions in federal universities have clashed with various administrations over delays in payments and unfulfilled agreements. In the 2025 budget, the government earmarked N3.52 trillion for the education sector—7.3 percent of the total N54.99 trillion national budget.