After six years of waiting, teachers and education officers in Federal Unity Colleges owed three years of salary arrears have begun receiving payments, The Guardian can authoritatively report.

Over 1,700 employees recruited into the Federal Government Unity Colleges between 2019 and 2021 were affected by the backlog.

In 2023, The Guardian reported that the teachers protested at the Federal Ministry of Education, demanding payment of their arrears after several unacknowledged appeals to the government.

It has now been confirmed that the Federal Government has commenced disbursement of the arrears, with some affected teachers already receiving alerts.

A reliable source told The Guardian that payment started on Tuesday in batches.

“They have commenced clearing our long-overdue salary arrears. They began yesterday (Tuesday) in batches,” the source said.

Confirming the development, Bobby Mark Winful, who spoke on behalf of the Coordination Team for Salary Arrears Officers (2018–2020 Sets), commended the Federal Government for resolving the long-standing issue that had caused hardship to affected teachers and their families.

Winful expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the Budget Office, and other relevant authorities for their roles in ensuring the commencement of payments after years of advocacy and engagement.

He said, “Indeed, it has been by God’s mercy that we have come this far, and today, we witness the long-awaited commencement of payment of salary arrears for the 2018, 2019, and 2020 sets.

“This moment is not just a financial relief; it is a testimony of collective perseverance, unity, and faith.

“To our task force members, we extend our deepest appreciation. Your tireless efforts, countless travels, sleepless nights, and unyielding resolve made this progress possible.

“To all our representatives across the Federal Unity Colleges, thank you for coordinating your schools and members with patience and leadership. You were the bridge between the officers and the process, ensuring that communication and cooperation flowed seamlessly.

“This success story is one of collective effort and divine timing. It proves that when people of purpose unite under a just cause, no obstacle is insurmountable. Together, we have turned patience into progress and struggle into celebration.”

Winful urged members to sustain the spirit of unity and commitment that led to the breakthrough, expressing optimism that the milestone would pave the way for greater achievements. (The Guardian)