FG releases ₦50bn for arrears, ₦150bn budgeted for Needs Assessment Fund — Education Minister
Alausa says negotiations with unions nearing conclusion, reaffirms “students must remain in school” directive
By Kunle Sanni –
The Federal Government has released ₦50 billion to clear arrears and allowances owed to staff in tertiary institutions and budgeted ₦150 billion for the Needs Assessment Fund, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced on Tuesday.
In a post on his official X handle, the minister said President Bola Tinubu had given clear directives that all efforts must be made to avoid another disruption in the nation’s tertiary institutions.
He added that the government had also resolved issues around promotion arrears and wage awards as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise the nation’s tertiary education system and prevent further industrial action.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has already begun full mobilisation of its members in preparation for a possible nationwide warning strike, as its 14-day ultimatum is set to expire on Sunday.
“Today, I reaffirmed Mr. President’s clear directive: our students must remain in school,” Alausa wrote. “We are intensifying negotiations with all tertiary unions and are close to concluding fair and lasting agreements.”
The minister explained that, unlike in previous administrations, President Tinubu’s government has adopted a unified negotiation framework to ensure efficiency, transparency, and enforceable agreements.
He said a Technical Working Group—comprising officials from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, the Budget Office, the Ministry of Labour, and, for the first time, the Solicitor-General and the Ministry of Justice—is finalising the government’s position to make all agreements sustainable.
Appealing to staff unions to embrace dialogue, Alausa urged them to prioritise the welfare of students and the stability of the academic calendar.
“Dialogue, not strikes, must remain our path forward. This government is sincere, proactive, and committed to stability in our education system,” he said.
