Budgetary personnel allocations to some federal universities in the country have recorded a substantial increase following the Federal Government’s approval of a 40 per cent salary increase for academic staff and the introduction of new and enhanced allowance packages, Saturday PUNCH findings have shown. In the 2026 budget, the Federal Government allocated N3.52tn to education, representing 6.1 per cent of the N58.18tn national budget. Institutions captured under this category include the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Benin, University of Jos, University of Calabar, University of Ilorin and the University of Abuja. Others are the University of Port Harcourt, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Modibbo Adama University, University of Uyo, University of Maiduguri, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Bayero University and Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto. Ahmadu Bello University followed, as its personnel allocation increased from N34bn to N44.5bn, reflecting a N10.5bn rise, or roughly 31 per cent.

Source: Punch January 17, 2026 11:54 UTC