The Federal Government plans to inject an additional ₦30 billion into Nigeria’s 74 federal universities over the next three years to stabilise and rehabilitate the institutions.
The intervention, known as the Stabilisation and Restoration Fund, will be disbursed in three equal instalments of ₦10 billion annually from 2026 to 2028, in addition to the universities’ regular budgetary allocations.
The fund, to be managed by the National Universities Commission (NUC), forms part of the recently signed agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The deal also includes a commitment by government to progressively raise education spending by 2.5 per cent yearly to reach 15 per cent, aligning with UNESCO’s recommended benchmark.
Education experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that transparent and accountable management of the fund could help address infrastructural decay, improve teaching and learning facilities, and strengthen research capacity in federal universities.
They, however, cautioned that sustained funding and strict monitoring would be essential to ensure long-term impact rather than temporary relief.
Despite the pledge, concerns persist over Nigeria’s education funding levels.
Although ₦3.52 trillion was earmarked for education in the proposed ₦58.47 trillion 2026 budget—representing 6.02 per cent—stakeholders argue this remains far below international standards and inadequate to resolve decades of underfunding in the sector.
Meanwhile, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has distanced itself from the FG–ASUU agreement, urging government to fast-track negotiations with all university unions.
CONUA President, Dr. ‘Niyi Sunmonu, reaffirmed the union’s legal and independent status, stressing that broader, inclusive talks are necessary to achieve lasting stability and improved conditions across Nigeria’s university system.