FG Disburses N50 Billion to Settle Allowances for University Workers

This was made public in a statement from the Ministry of Education, signed by the Director of Press, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo. The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olagunji Alausa, confirmed that the funds were approved as part of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to address long-standing issues affecting university staff.

The Minister praised university unions for maintaining peace in the sector, adding that the country is currently experiencing one of the most stable academic periods in recent years.

President Tinubu, through the ministry, stressed the importance of keeping students in school, saying, “The youth are the heartbeat of our country… Keeping our children in school is not negotiable.”

Background

University unions, especially ASUU, have previously gone on several strikes over unpaid allowances and underfunding. In 2022, ASUU went on an eight-month strike, which led to the “No Work, No Pay” policy and salary cuts.

In October 2023, Tinubu approved payment for four of those withheld months. By February 2024, the disbursement process had begun.