The Federal Government has disbursed the first tranche of N50 billion from the N200 billion Nigeria Academic Fund (NAF) promised to public universities under the landmark agreement signed with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on January 14, 2026.
The release was confirmed on Wednesday, January 29, 2026, by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, who described it as a “clear demonstration of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to revitalising tertiary education and ending the era of prolonged disruptions.”
The N200 billion NAF forms part of the broader package agreed with ASUU, which includes:
Immediate salary review and clearance of withheld salaries/arrears.
Payment of over ₦200 billion in earned academic allowances (EAA) in tranches.
₦1.3 trillion revitalisation funds over four years (with quarterly disbursements).
A 36-month “no strike” period with binding dispute resolution mechanisms.
Prof. Mamman said the initial N50 billion would be allocated as follows:
₦30 billion – Direct disbursement to federal universities for infrastructure, laboratories, libraries, and ICT upgrades.
₦15 billion – Earned academic allowances (first tranche).
₦5 billion – Special intervention for teaching hospitals and research centres.
The minister reiterated that subsequent tranches would be released quarterly, subject to transparent monitoring by a joint FG-ASUU committee.
ASUU President Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke welcomed the release but urged strict adherence to the timeline for the remaining ₦150 billion in 2026 and the full ₦1.3 trillion revitalisation package.
Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com
“This is a step in the right direction. We will monitor implementation closely to ensure the funds reach the universities and are used for the intended purposes. Our members and students have suffered enough,” Osodeke stated.
The release has been hailed by students’ unions, parents, and civil society groups as a positive start toward restoring stability in the university system after years of strikes and decay.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
Send tips to: adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com | 08168555497