By: Sunday Ameh
The Federal Government has approved the release of funds for the payment of five months’ outstanding Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) owed to lecturers in federal universities across the country.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in a directive dated June 4, 2026, and addressed to vice-chancellors of federal universities, directing them to ensure the immediate disbursement of the funds to eligible academic staff.
According to the minister, the payment is in fulfilment of the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing agreements reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and addressing pending welfare obligations to lecturers.
Alausa stated that the release of the allowance was in line with provisions contained in the 2025 agreement between the government and ASUU, adding that the move was aimed at strengthening industrial harmony within the nation’s university system.
He directed university authorities to ensure that all qualified beneficiaries receive their outstanding entitlements without delay.
The minister also instructed institutions that had previously advanced funds from their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) or other sources to pay the allowance to reimburse such expenditures to the appropriate university accounts after receiving the federal allocation.
He noted that universities that funded the allowance from their own resources since January 2026 should restore the money to the relevant budget heads once the federal funds are received.
Alausa further stressed the need for strict compliance with financial regulations, urging vice-chancellors to maintain proper records of all payments and reimbursements made under the arrangement.
The payment is expected to bring relief to thousands of lecturers who have repeatedly expressed concerns over delays in the settlement of welfare-related benefits.
The Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance is designed to support lecturers in carrying out research, accessing internet services, producing academic publications and acquiring other resources required for effective teaching and scholarly activities.
Over the years, payment of the allowance has remained one of the major issues in negotiations between ASUU and the Federal Government, alongside demands relating to earned allowances, university revitalisation, salaries and conditions of service.
Education stakeholders have consistently argued that prompt payment of lecturers’ entitlements and adherence to agreements are essential for improving staff morale, boosting research output and enhancing the quality of tertiary education in the country.
Observers believe the latest intervention could help sustain stability in federal universities and reduce the likelihood of industrial disputes capable of disrupting academic activities.
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