The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has denied claims by the Federal Government (FG) that it has released N50 billion to settle outstanding earned academic allowances owed to university lecturers.
Speaking exclusively to SaharaReporters on Wednesday, ASUU National President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed skepticism over the announcement, saying the union has not received any evidence of payment.
“You said that the government released the N50 billion to ASUU, but why are you bringing other staff? Every union negotiates for its members. It is not a collective,” Osodeke questioned, noting that ASUU has only received verbal information and has yet to see any documentation or bank transfers confirming the release of funds.
“We are aware of the announcement, but until we see evidence, we won’t believe them,” he added. “We only agreed verbally. We have not seen the money.”
The Federal Government, through the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, had earlier claimed in a press release that the funds had been disbursed to both academic and non-academic staff of federal universities.
The statement, signed by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press at the Ministry, described the move as part of President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to reposition the education sector.
According to the Ministry, the release of N50 billion is intended to reinforce the administration’s dedication to improving educational infrastructure, human capital development, and staff welfare in tertiary institutions.
While the government hailed the move as a step toward ending frequent strikes and maintaining the current uninterrupted academic session, ASUU insists that it will only be convinced when the funds are actually received.
