The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, has announced the release of ₦50 billion by the Federal Government to the academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities for the settlement of earned allowances, as promised by President Bola Tinubu.

This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by the Director of Press at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.

Boriowo described the move “as yet another testament to Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s education sector.

“It reflects the administration’s bold resolve to transition the nation from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and human capital.

“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,” she quoted the minister as saying.

“By prioritising their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education,” she added.

Alausa expressed Tinubu’s heartfelt appreciation to the academic and non-academic unions for their sustained trust in his administration and for fostering an atmosphere of peace and cooperation across Nigeria’s federal institutions.

“Notably, the country is currently experiencing one of the longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history—a feat attributed to the mutual understanding and shared commitment between the government and the university community,” the statement read.

Harvard University has sued the Donald Trump administration for freezing $2.2billion in grants.

The school bemoaned what it believes is an “unprecedented and improper” control.

“The consequences of the government’s overreach will be severe and long-lasting,” Alan Garber, Harvard president, said on Monday.

The suit was filed in the federal district court in Massachusetts. It accuses the Trump administration of flouting the First Amendment and other federal laws.

The 51-page complaint is asking a federal judge to declare Trump’s “freeze order” unconstitutional and to order a reversal.

Last week, the US president announced a freeze of federal funding after Harvard refused to accept demands that the administration has said aim to address antisemitism on campus.

“The Government has not — and cannot — identify any rational connection between antisemitism concerns and the medical, scientific, technological, and other research it has frozen that aims to save American lives, foster American success, preserve American security, and maintain America’s position as a global leader in innovation,” the lawsuit said in part.

‎
‎
‎The Abia State Standing Committee of the Nigeria Union of Teachers has concluded plans to embark on strike action on Thursday over what they described as “stringent measures on teachers” by the state governor, Alex Otti.

‎
‎They stated that the government and education stakeholders have refused to treat them well, they lamented that:
‎
‎(1) teachers in Abia state are not paid the minimum wage in March and the teachers salary structure wasn’t used
‎
‎(2)Teachers are still being retired by ASUBEB, despite His Excellency’s approval of the 65 years/40 years service extension. Promotions are released haphazardly without coordination.
‎
‎(3)Non-payment of arrears to teachers in basic schools remains part of the problem. Since their colleagues in SEMB have started receiving parts of their arrears, it would be justifiable for basic school teachers to be considered as well.”
‎
‎The strike action is expected to begin on Thursday, 24/04/2025.
‎
‎