The Federal Government has released funds for the payment of five months’ outstanding Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) owed to lecturers in federal universities, directing vice-chancellors to ensure the immediate disbursement of the funds to eligible beneficiaries.
The directive was contained in a letter dated June 4, 2026, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and addressed to vice-chancellors of federal universities across the country.
According to the minister, the release of the funds is in line with the provisions of the 2025 agreement reached between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), as part of efforts to fulfil commitments made to the union.
“The Federal Government has released funds for the payment of five months’ Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance to eligible academic staff of federal universities in accordance with the provisions of the signed FGN/ASUU 2025 Agreement,” the letter stated.
Alausa directed university authorities to ensure that all outstanding CATA payments owed to lecturers and other eligible academic staff are cleared without delay.
The minister also instructed institutions that may have previously advanced funds from their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) or other institutional sources to cover the allowance payments from January 2026 to refund such expenditures to the appropriate university accounts and budget heads upon receipt of the Federal Government allocation.
He further stressed the need for strict compliance with existing financial regulations and proper documentation of all payments and reimbursements made under the arrangement.
“Kindly accord this matter the highest priority and urgency,” the minister stated.
The development is expected to provide relief for thousands of lecturers across federal universities who have long expressed concerns over delays in the payment of welfare-related entitlements.
The Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance is designed to support lecturers’ professional responsibilities, including research, academic publications, internet access, teaching materials and other resources required for effective teaching and scholarship.
Over the years, payment of the allowance has remained a major issue in negotiations between the Federal Government and ASUU, alongside concerns over earned allowances, university funding, salaries and conditions of service.
Stakeholders in the education sector have repeatedly emphasised the importance of timely payment of allowances and the faithful implementation of agreements as critical measures for improving staff morale, enhancing research productivity and promoting stability in Nigeria’s public universities.
The latest release of funds is seen as part of ongoing efforts to sustain industrial harmony in the tertiary education sector and prevent disruptions to the academic calendar.