The Federal Government has announced the release of N50 billion to academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities.

This, it said, is for the settlement of earned allowances.

Spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, in a statement, said the development stands as yet another “testament to President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s education sector.”

The Guardian reports that earned allowances are monetary benefits specifically for academic and non-academic staff in universities, stemming from the 2009 ASUU/FGN agreement. They are designed to motivate and support staff and are a key component of industrial harmony in the Nigerian university system.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, noted that the approval 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 prioritizing their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education,” the Minister said.

He expressed President Bola Tinubu’s heartfelt appreciation to 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.

“The President reiterated that, ‘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 Honourable Ministry of Education has also pledged to continue working collaboratively with all stakeholders across the education value chain to ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality education, comparable to global standards.

“This announcement marks a significant step in the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reinforces the Federal Government’s determination to make the Nigerian education sector a shining model for Africa and the world.”