The federal government has ordered the release of N50 billion to academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities to settle all pending allowances.
Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, said it is part of the government’s commitment to strategic investments in education.
Alausa, in the statement on Wednesday, said the government is laying the foundation for qualitative and globally competitive education.
“This intervention is not just a financial transaction. By prioritising their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education,” he said.
Alausa promised to continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that every child has access to quality education.
University unions have been at loggerheads with the federal government for the last decade, resulting in disruptive strikes.
In 2009, the federal government agreed to address long-standing systemic issues like inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and poor staff welfare in public universities.
Extensive negotiation was had with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), culminating in the signing of an agreement in 2009.
The government committed to increasing infrastructure funding, financial/administrative autonomy for universities, and competitive salaries for lecturers and other university staff.
A key aspect sought was improved pension/retirement benefits for university staff and increased funding for research and development.
However, university unions argued that the implementation of the 2009 agreement has been inconsistent.
They said the government failed to fully execute major parts of the MoU, especially those involving funding and improved salaries.
In 2022, ASUU embarked on what became its 16th strike in 23 years.
Credit: TheCable
