Nigeria’s federal universities, polytechnics and colleges gained independence from a controversial payroll system following a cabinet order on Wednesday.

The Federal Executive Council approved exempting higher education institutions from the Integrated Personnel Payment System (IPPIS). Implemented in 2006 across government, the centralized database drew fierce opposition from academia.

Education Minister Tahir Mamman announced the change, saying it provides immediate relief so vice chancellors need not constantly travel to process staff salaries.

The reform aimed to improve accounting and transparency but became a flashpoint in a long feud with university lecturers represented by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Critics argued IPPIS eroded institutional autonomy and ignored nuances in compensation and promotions.

ASUU proposed its own University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) as a replacement, even boycotting classes for months due to the payment row.