FG releases funds for academic staff allowance

The federal government has released funds for the full payment of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) owed to academic staff at federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education from January to August 2026.

The education minister, Tunji Alausa, announced the release on Wednesday after inaugurating the ministerial committee on accreditation, according to a statement by the ministry’s director of press and public relations, Boriowo Folasade.

Alausa said the payment demonstrated the government’s commitment to honouring approved agreements and improving the welfare of workers in the education sector.

He said the allowance was being paid in accordance with the 2025 agreement between the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education have been directed to begin paying eligible academic staff.

The minister said arrangements were also under way to pay the corresponding allowance to non-academic employees, with the necessary funds expected to be released within the coming weeks.

Alausa reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving staff welfare, educational infrastructure and the quality of teaching and learning under the Renewed Hope agenda.

The federal ministry of education said it would continue working to ensure that approved agreements and interventions were effectively implemented across the sector.