- Federal government approves five months’ outstanding CATA payments to eligible university lecturers
- Education minister confirms release of funds, reaffirming commitment to ASUU agreement implementation
- Universities are directed to promptly pay allowances and reimburse previous internal settlements
FCT, Abuja – The federal government has approved and released funds for the payment of five months’ outstanding Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) to eligible lecturers in federal universities.
The move fulfils part of the commitments contained in the 2025 agreement between the government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Source: UGC
The development comes amid concerns raised by the union over delays in implementing aspects of the agreement reached earlier this year, Nigerian Tribune reported.
Education minister confirms payment
In a letter dated Thursday, June 4, and addressed to vice-chancellors of federal universities, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, confirmed the release of the funds.
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According to the letter, referenced FME/IS/UNI/C.98/Vol.2/14, the payment was made in accordance with the provisions of the 2025 agreement between the Federal Government and ASUU.
Alausa stated that the disbursement reflects the government’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations and improving the welfare of academic staff, Vanguard reported.
He said the release of the funds demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to the effective implementation of the agreement and the welfare of university lecturers.
Universities directed to pay beneficiaries
The minister instructed vice-chancellors to ensure the prompt payment of all outstanding allowances to eligible lecturers and other academic staff.
He also directed institutions that had previously used internally generated revenue or other sources to settle the allowance from January 2026 to reimburse the relevant university accounts once the federal allocation is received.
Alausa further stressed the importance of complying with financial regulations and maintaining proper records of all payments and reimbursements.
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The payment is expected to ease tensions between the government and ASUU as discussions continue on other outstanding issues affecting Nigeria’s university sector.
ASUU decries welfare of lecturers
Previously, Legit.ng reported that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised alarm that Nigeria’s public university system could face another round of industrial action if governments fail to fully implement the December 2025 agreement reached with the union.
At the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Modibbo Adama University, Yola, on May 9 and 10, 2026, ASUU expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as the “distorted and uncoordinated” implementation of the agreement signed with the Federal Government.
Source: Legit.ng