Nigeria’s Universities Fund Allowances Locally

The Nigerian government directed public universities to fund lecturer allowances from internal revenue, prompting concerns about tuition increases. Modibbo Adama University, Yola, received a May 18th memo from the Federal Ministry of Education instructing vice-chancellors to use internally generated revenue to pay Consequential Adjustment and Transport Allowance. The university had been paying allowances this way since January 2026, but now suspends the practice due to a lack of federal funding.

Lecturers at the university report growing frustration as institutions struggle to meet financial obligations without government support. University management is now considering raising tuition and service charges to offset costs, potentially worsening economic hardship for students and families. The Academic Staff Union of Universities also accuses the government of failing to fully implement a 2025 agreement and sidelining the union in establishing a research fund.

The union questions the proposed funding level for the fund, expecting at least one percent of Nigeria’s GDP to be dedicated to research. Discussions continue regarding sustainable funding models for Nigerian universities.