The Federal Government, Tuesday, said the government could only afford 23.5 percent salary increase for university lecturers, while a 35% increment will be enjoyed by professors.

The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, while speaking during a meeting with Vice Chancellors and other stakeholders in Abuja said President Muhammadu has also warned against signing agreements which the government will not be able to meet.

Adamu further revealed that N150b will be included in the 2023 budget for the revitalization of the Universities, adding that same will be disbursed in the first quarter of the year.

He also revealed that a total of N50 billion will also be included in the budget for the payment of outstanding areas of earned academic allowance, to also be paid in the first quarter of the year.

He said, “The Federal Government can only afford a 23.5% salary increase for all category of the workforce in Federal Universities, except for the professorial cadre which will enjoy a 35% upward review.

“Henceforth, allowances that pertain to ad-hoc duties of the academic and non-academic staff shall be paid as at when due by the Governing Councils of Universities to which such services are rendered and to the staff who perform them.

“That a sum of 150 billion Naira shall be provided for in the 2023 Budget as funds for the revitalization of Federal Universities, to be disbursed to the Institutions in the First Quarter of the year.

“A sum of 50 billion Naira shall be provided for in the 2023 Budget for the payment of outstanding areas of earned academic allowances, to be paid in the First Quarter of the year”.

Speaking at the end of the meeting, the pro-chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria, Professor Peter Okebukola, noted that the government was ready to go all out to ensure that the university lecturers return back to school.