The Federal Government has released funds to settle five months of outstanding Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance owed to lecturers in federal universities, directing vice-chancellors to ensure immediate payment to eligible academic staff.
In a circular dated June 4, 2026, and sent to vice-chancellors of federal universities, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the disbursement was part of the government’s commitment under the 2025 agreement reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
According to the minister, the release of funds aligns with the provisions of the agreement signed between both parties.
“The Federal Government has released funds for the payment of five (5) months Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance to eligible academic staff of federal universities, in accordance with the provisions of the signed FGN/ASUU 2025 Agreement, and in fulfilment of the FGN’s commitment to effective implementation of the Agreement,” the letter stated.
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He directed university heads to ensure that the arrears are promptly paid to lecturers and other qualified academic staff without delay.
“Consequently, you are requested to ensure the immediate clearance of all outstanding CATA payments due to lecturers and other eligible academic staff in your university,” the minister directed.
The circular also addressed situations where institutions may have already made advance payments from internally generated revenue or other sources.
In such cases, the minister stated that reimbursements should be made once federal allocations are received.
“Where the university had advanced funds from its Internally Generated Revenue or any other institutional source for the payment of the allowance from January 2026, appropriate steps should be taken to refund such amounts to the relevant university accounts and budget heads upon receipt of the Federal Government allocation,” the letter added.
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He further emphasized the need for strict adherence to financial regulations and proper documentation of all related transactions.
“You are also requested to ensure strict compliance with extant financial regulations and maintain proper records of all payments and reimbursements effected under this arrangement,” he stated.
Alausa urged university administrators to treat the directive with urgency, noting its importance to staff welfare and institutional stability.
“Kindly accord this matter the highest priority and urgency,” the minister said.
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The development is expected to ease long-standing concerns among lecturers over delayed welfare payments. The Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance is meant to support academic work such as research, publications, internet access, and teaching materials.
Disputes over allowances and other welfare issues have frequently shaped negotiations between the Federal Government and ASUU, sometimes leading to industrial actions that disrupt academic calendars.
In 2025, both parties reached a renewed agreement aimed at addressing outstanding concerns and improving conditions in public universities.
Education stakeholders continue to stress that timely payment of allowances and faithful implementation of agreements are key to sustaining stability in the tertiary education system and improving the quality of teaching and research.
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