By Prosper Mene
In a positive move to strengthen Nigeria’s education sector and uplift households, the Federal Government has released ₦50 billion to settle earned allowances for academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities, fulfilling a promise by President Bola Tinubu. Announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, this intervention is poised to have far-reaching benefits, particularly for women and families across the nation.
The disbursement, described as a testament to the administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s education landscape, addresses long-standing demands from university unions, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). By ensuring timely payment of earned allowances, the government aims to sustain academic stability, reduce industrial disputes, and foster an environment where quality education thrives. This stability directly impacts households, many of which rely on the income of university staff, particularly women who form a significant portion of the non-academic workforce.
“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,” Dr. Alausa stated. He emphasized that prioritizing the welfare of university staff lays the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child, regardless of gender, receives a globally competitive education.
For women, who often balance professional and household responsibilities, the timely payment of earned allowances provides critical financial relief. Non-academic staff, including administrative workers, cleaners, and support personnel, include a substantial number of women whose earnings directly support their families. The injection of ₦50 billion into the sector ensures these women can better meet household needs, from education and healthcare to nutrition, thereby enhancing family resilience.
Moreover, the ripple effects extend to communities. Stable incomes for university workers mean increased economic activity in local markets, many of which are driven by women traders and entrepreneurs. The government’s commitment to uninterrupted academic sessions—currently one of the longest in recent history—also ensures that female students and their families benefit from consistent access to education, reducing disruptions that disproportionately affect girls’ academic progress.
“This is a step toward empowering women and households,” said Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education. “By securing the welfare of university staff, we are enabling families to thrive and ensuring that education remains a cornerstone of our nation’s development.”
The Minister expressed gratitude to the unions for their trust and cooperation, noting that the mutual understanding has fostered peace in federal institutions. “The youth are the heartbeat of our country. Keeping our children in school is not negotiable,” Dr. Alausa added, reaffirming the government’s resolve to make strikes a thing of the past.
This ₦50 billion investment reflects President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes education as a driver of economic empowerment and social equity.
