In a major policy move to strengthen Nigeria’s tertiary education system, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the release of N50 billion to address the long-standing issue of earned allowances for academic and non-academic staff of federal universities across the country. This was confirmed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, during a briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, who described the intervention as a critical step in the Tinubu administration’s ongoing efforts to transform the nation’s education sector.
According to Mrs. Boriowo, this significant disbursement underscores President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to reposition Nigeria from a resource-reliant economy to one driven by knowledge and innovation. She noted that the payment is part of broader reforms aimed at revitalizing the education sector through strategic investment in infrastructure, human capital, and institutional welfare.
Dr. Alausa, while addressing journalists, stated that the intervention should not be viewed merely as a financial obligation, but as a strong reaffirmation of the administration’s confidence in Nigeria’s youth and the vital role university personnel play in shaping the next generation.
“This is a bold declaration that the government recognises and values the critical contributions of our academic and non-academic workforce,” the Minister said. “By focusing on their welfare, President Tinubu is building a robust foundation for an education system that will not only be competitive globally but will serve as a catalyst for national development.”
He also conveyed the President’s deep appreciation to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and their non-academic counterparts for the maturity and cooperation demonstrated in recent times. The prevailing atmosphere of peace across federal institutions, according to the minister, has allowed the country to enjoy one of its longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history.
This development aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places a high premium on youth development, innovation, and educational reform. It also reinforces the Federal Government’s resolve to permanently eliminate disruptions in the academic calendar caused by industrial disputes.
President Tinubu, in a message conveyed through the Ministry, reiterated his administration’s focus on youth empowerment, 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.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Alausa assured stakeholders that the Ministry of Education will continue to work closely with all actors within the education ecosystem to ensure that every Nigerian child has access to a high-quality education that meets international standards.
This timely release of funds is expected to further solidify trust between the federal government and university unions, while accelerating the drive to reposition Nigeria’s higher education as a hub of academic excellence in Africa.
