The Federal Government has released the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) for academic staff in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, covering the period from January to August 2026. The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the inauguration of the Ministerial Committee on Accreditation.
Payment Under 2025 FG-ASUU Agreement
According to the minister, the payment is part of the government’s commitment to implementing the 2025 agreement reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Alausa said, “The Office of the Minister of Education is happy to announce that the full CATA payment has now been released by the Federal Government from January to August 2026 to all universities, all polytechnics and colleges of education.”
He added that the affected institutions had already been informed to begin paying academic staff. “All these institutions should have received notification to start paying CATA to all academic staff,” he said.
Payments for Non-Academic Staff in Process
The minister also disclosed that non-academic staff members would receive their own payments, noting that the process was already underway. “And also, the payment to non-academic staff, we’re hoping that these funds will be made available, hopefully, in the next few weeks,” Alausa said.
This announcement comes after months of waiting by lecturers across federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, who rely on CATA to purchase tools and materials for teaching, research, and other academic activities.
Government’s Commitment to Staff Welfare
Alausa said the payment demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the condition of both academic and non-academic staff. “This is another indication of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to our academic and non-academic staff. President Bola Tinubu made a commitment to ensuring that the quality and welfare of our staff are prioritised. He has prioritised the welfare of our staff,” he said.
Beyond staff allowances, the minister said the government was also investing in infrastructure across tertiary institutions, as well as basic and postgraduate education. “Beyond prioritising the welfare of our staff, he has also significantly invested in infrastructure at all our tertiary institutions and also basic and postgraduate education,” Alausa said.
Focus on Global Education Standards
He added that the administration’s goal was to ensure Nigerian students receive education that meets global standards. “This is a President that believes so much in education. He has delivered beyond his promises to ensure that every single child in this country gets the highest quality of education comparable to anywhere in the world,” the minister said.
The release of CATA is expected to provide financial support for lecturers who depend on the allowance to improve their teaching and research activities, with payments for non-academic staff anticipated in the coming weeks.
