The Nigerian government has taken steps to address the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), releasing N2.3 billion for “Batch 8 salary and promotion arrears” to universities across the country.
Minister of Education Tunji Alausa disclosed this while providing updates on the ongoing dialogue with ASUU.
The funds, disbursed through the Accountant-General of the Federation’s office, are expected to be received by universities soon.
ASUU had recently declared a two-week warning strike over the government’s failure to address its demands, including the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, release of withheld salaries, sustainable funding of public universities, and revitalization of universities.
The union suspended the strike after fruitful engagement with the government but warned it would recall the strike if the dialogue disintegrates.
The government’s move is seen as an effort to avert another industrial action, which would disrupt academic activities in Nigerian universities.
