The Federal Government has released the full payment of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) to academic staff in federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed the financial disbursement in Abuja. He confirmed that the funds cover eight months from January to August 2026.
Consequently, this release fulfills key provisions established under the executed 2025 Federal Government–Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) agreement.
Education Minister Directs Schools to Begin Disbursements
Speaking after inaugurating the Ministerial Committee on Accreditation, Dr. Alausa announced that the Ministry of Finance has transferred the funds directly to institutions.
Furthermore, he confirmed that school administrations have received official notifications to begin immediate payments to eligible academic staff.
“The Office of the Minister of Education is happy to announce that the full CATA payment has now been released by the Federal Government,” Alausa stated.
In addition, the minister explained that CATA provides essential tax-free support for lecturers to purchase teaching tools, fund research, and manage academic activities.
Non-Academic Staff Allowances and Institutional Infrastructure
Addressing non-academic personnel, Dr. Alausa assured union leaders that parallel allowance disbursements are undergoing final administrative processing.
Therefore, non-academic staff across federal campuses can expect their financial entitlements within the coming weeks.
Moreover, the minister emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration prioritizes worker welfare and educational excellence.
“President Bola Tinubu made a commitment to ensuring that the quality and welfare of our staff are prioritised,” Alausa noted.
Additionally, the government is expanding funding for basic, postgraduate, and tertiary campus infrastructure to boost global competitiveness.
Finally, educational stakeholders expect this long-awaited payment to enhance industrial harmony and elevate academic productivity nationwide.
