President Bola Tinubu has taken strong steps to pay outstanding debts acquired during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, which is a key step toward resolving chronic financial challenges in Nigeria’s higher education sector. Among the debts cleared was the payment of two years’ arrears owed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The announcement came following President Tinubu’s approval of the release of funds to settle the arrears, marking a crucial step towards addressing the financial challenges faced by university-based unions. The decision to clear the debts reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of educators and enhancing the quality of education in the country.
The partial release of salaries follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the release of four out of the eight months’ withheld salaries in October 2023. These salary payments were initially withheld as a consequence of an eight-month strike by university-based unions in 2022, triggered by the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy implemented by the former administration of President Buhari.
Expressing disappointment with the partial payments, Lawal emphasized that they fell significantly short of the union’s expectations. Describing the two-month payment as “far below the expectation of the union,” Lawal underscored its detrimental impact on the morale of ASUU members and eroded trust in government assurances.
ASUU issued a call to all relevant stakeholders to address the situation promptly and fulfill their obligations regarding the withheld salaries. Lawal urged the federal government to expedite the conclusion, signing, and implementation of the Prof Nimi Briggs Committee on Renegotiated Agreement. Highlighting the urgency of addressing outstanding allowances and arrears, Lawal emphasized the importance of restoring confidence and stability within the university education sector.
