By our Reporter
The Federal Government has released funds for the payment of five months’ accumulated Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) to eligible academic staff in federal universities, fulfilling part of its obligations under the 2025 agreement reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The development comes amid concerns raised by ASUU over delays in the implementation of agreements signed with the government in January. The union had recently threatened industrial action, accusing the Federal Government of failing to honour key aspects of the pact.
In a letter dated June 4 and addressed to vice-chancellors of federal universities, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the release of the funds. The letter, referenced FME/IS/UNI/C.98/Vol.2/14, stated that the payment was made in line with the provisions of the FGN-ASUU 2025 Agreement.
According to the minister, the release of the funds demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to the effective implementation of the agreement and the welfare of university lecturers.
Alausa directed vice-chancellors to ensure the immediate payment of all outstanding CATA arrears to lecturers and other eligible academic staff in their institutions.
He further instructed universities that had previously advanced funds from their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) or other institutional sources to settle the allowance from January 2026 to refund such amounts to the appropriate university accounts and budget heads upon receipt of the federal allocation.
The minister also emphasised the need for strict adherence to existing financial regulations and proper documentation of all payments and reimbursements made under the arrangement.
The payment is expected to ease tensions between the Federal Government and ASUU, as stakeholders continue to monitor the implementation of other components of the agreement aimed at improving conditions in Nigeria’s university system.
