The Federal Government has released funds for the payment of five months’ Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) owed to lecturers in federal universities across the country, in a move expected to strengthen industrial harmony within the tertiary education sector.
The directive was conveyed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, in a letter dated June 4, 2026, obtained by PUNCH. The payment forms part of the implementation of agreements reached between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in 2025.
According to the letter, the government has approved the immediate release of funds to cover five months of outstanding allowances for eligible academic staff members. Vice-chancellors of federal universities were directed to ensure prompt disbursement of the funds and strict compliance with all financial regulations guiding the process.
The minister also instructed institutions that had previously advanced payments to lecturers from their internally generated revenue to refund such expenditures once the federal allocation is received. The measure is aimed at ensuring transparency and proper accountability in the management of the funds.
The Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance is designed to support lecturers in carrying out teaching, research, publications, internet subscriptions, and other academic responsibilities. The allowance has remained a major issue in negotiations between ASUU and the Federal Government over the years, with delays in payment often contributing to tensions between both parties.
Stakeholders in the education sector have welcomed the development, noting that the payment will ease financial pressure on lecturers and improve morale within federal universities. They argue that timely payment of entitlements is critical to maintaining stability in the university system and preventing disruptions to academic activities.
The latest intervention comes against the backdrop of previous industrial disputes that resulted in prolonged strikes and interruptions to academic calendars. Analysts believe that honouring agreements reached with university unions is essential for restoring confidence and promoting sustainable growth in the education sector.
The government expressed optimism that the release of the funds would further strengthen collaboration with academic unions and contribute to improved teaching and learning outcomes in Nigerian universities.
Source: PUNCH
_ Deborah Adeyefa
