By prioritising their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education.”
By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – In a significant policy move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s higher education system, the Federal Government has released ₦50 billion to academic and non-academic unions of federal universities for the payment of earned allowances, fulfilling a key promise by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Announcing the disbursement on Tuesday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, described the intervention as a “clear demonstration” of the administration’s dedication to the welfare of university staff and the long-term transformation of Nigeria’s education sector.
“This intervention is not just a financial transaction—it is a reaffirmation of our President’s belief in the capacity of Nigerian youth and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic staff play in nurturing them,” Dr. Alausa said. “By prioritising their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education.”
The ₦50 billion release is expected to settle longstanding earned allowances owed to staff under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and other unions. The move is also seen as a strategic effort to reduce the risk of future industrial actions that have often disrupted academic calendars.
President Tinubu, in a statement relayed by the Ministry, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, stating, “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 government noted with pride that Nigeria is currently witnessing one of the longest periods of uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history—a feat attributed to improved dialogue and cooperation between the government and university unions.
Dr. Alausa also extended the President’s appreciation to the unions for their “sustained trust” and called for continued collaboration. “We remain committed to engaging every stakeholder in the education value chain. Our vision is clear: to build a knowledge-driven economy where Nigerian education is a reference point across the globe.”
The ₦50 billion disbursement is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda and signals what the government says is a broader effort to reposition education as a driver of national development and global competitiveness.
As Nigeria looks to transition from a resource-based economy to one anchored on knowledge and innovation, this latest development may serve as a catalyst for further reforms and investments in the country’s ailing education sector.