FG Announces Release of N50bn to Settle ASUU, Other Varsity Staff Allowances

By: Olufemi Orunsola 

The Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the release sum of the N50 billion to the academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities for the settlement of earned allowances.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA OTN News reports as gathered that Nigeria's Education Minister, Dr Maruf Alausa, in a statement released by the ministry's Director of Press, Folasade Boriowo, who announced the cheering news, said the move is another testament to Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s education sector. 

Boriowo explained that the federal government also reflects the administration’s bold resolve to transition the nation from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and human capital.

In his words, “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.

He further stressed that, “By prioritising their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education.”

The Minister expressed President Tinubu’s heartfelt appreciation to both academic and non-academic unions for their sustained trust in his administration and for fostering an atmosphere of peace and cooperation across Nigeria’s federal institutions.

“Notably, the country is currently experiencing one of the longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history—a feat attributed to the mutual understanding and shared commitment between the government and the university community."

“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 Minister reiterated.

It would be recalled that university-based academic unions have been at loggerheads with past governments over the failure to release earned allowances, among other demands. 

Meanwhile, the official response of some leaders of the concerned unions could not be obtained as at the time of filing this report.

However, in an exclusive interview with SaharaReporters on Wednesday, ASUU National President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, said the union has not received any verifiable evidence of such payment and would not be swayed by mere pronouncements from the federal government.

Osodeke questioned, saying, "You said that the government released the N50 billion to ASUU, but why are you bringing other staff? Every union negotiates for its members. It is not a collective."

He further debunked the narrative being pushed by government spokespersons, insisting that ASUU was only verbally informed and has not seen any documentation or transfer of funds. 

"I have not even seen the report about the release of the fund. We are aware of it, but until we see evidence, we won’t believe them," he said. "We only agreed verbally. We have not seen the money."