FG Releases N50 Billion For University Workers’ Allowances

By Ayodele Oni

In fulfilment of promise to end industrial disputes by unions in universities in the country, the federal government has approved the release of N50 billion for payment of allowances of workers’ allowances.

Beneficiaries include members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU), Non Academic Staff Union, (NASU and others.

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, announced the release of the fund on Wednesday in fulfilment of promise by President Bola Tinubu.

This development, was disclosed in a statement titled “FG Releases N50bn Earned Allowances to Varsity Unions, Tinubu Reaffirms Education Priority”, issued by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education.

According to the statement, “the move stands as yet another testament to Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s education sector.

“It 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.

“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.

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

It 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 youths 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.”

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