The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has refuted claims by the Federal Government that it has disbursed N50 billion to settle long-standing earned academic allowances owed to university lecturers.
In an exclusive interview with SaharaReporters on Wednesday, ASUU National President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, stated that the union has not received any evidence of payment, nor has any money been deposited into its accounts.
“You said the government released N50 billion to ASUU, but why are you bringing in other staff? Every union negotiates for its members. It is not a collective,” Osodeke queried.
He emphasized that while the union was verbally informed about the planned disbursement, it has not received any official documentation or proof of payment.
“I have not even seen the report about the release of the fund. We are aware of it, but until we see evidence, we won’t believe them,” he said. “We only agreed verbally. We have not seen the money.”
This reaction follows a statement released earlier by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, who announced that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had released the funds to various university unions as part of efforts to prioritize education and address lingering issues in the sector.
The Ministry’s statement, signed by Director of Press, Folasade Boriowo, described the intervention as “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.”
It further added that the release of funds marked a milestone in President Tinubu’s commitment to education reform, noting that Nigeria is currently experiencing one of its longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history—a development the government attributes to improved relations with university unions.
ASUU’s denial, however, raises fresh questions about transparency, communication, and the actual status of negotiations between the government and university staff unions. The union has long demanded accountability and concrete action on agreements it has signed with previous and current administrations.
See also: FG Releases N50bn to Settle ASUU, Varsity Staff Allowances
More Stories
“We Get N1.5m After 35 Years of Service” — Retired Police Officers Protest in Ibadan, Demand Exit from PENCOM
Ladoja’s Planned Dethronement: I Stand By What I Said – Fayose
Ogun to Return Missionary Schools to Original Owners, says Abiodun