The Federal Government has disbursed funds to cover five months of outstanding Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) payments for eligible academic staff in federal universities across Nigeria. This development was announced in a circular dated June 4, 2026, with reference number FME/IS/UNI/C.98/Vol.2/14, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and addressed to vice-chancellors of federal institutions.
Understanding CATA and Its Purpose
CATA is a fixed allowance designed to equip lecturers with essential academic tools necessary for effective teaching, research, and professional development. The allowance covers expenses such as journal publications, conference attendance, internet access, membership in learned societies, and the acquisition of academic books. It was reviewed under the Federal Government–Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) 2025 agreement, signed on January 14, 2026, and forms a key component of the new remuneration package, part of a 40 percent upward review of lecturers' emoluments.
Government Commitment to Agreement Implementation
In the circular, Dr. Alausa emphasized that the fund release underscores the Federal Government's commitment to implementing the renegotiated agreement with ASUU. He stated: "I write to inform you that the Federal Government has released funds for the payment of five (5) months Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) 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 minister directed vice-chancellors to ensure immediate clearance of all outstanding CATA payments owed to lecturers and other eligible academic staff. Additionally, universities that had advanced funds from their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) or other institutional sources to cover the allowance since January 2026 were instructed to refund those amounts to the appropriate university accounts and budget heads upon receiving the federal allocation.
Compliance and Record-Keeping
Alausa also ordered university authorities to strictly comply with existing financial regulations and maintain accurate records of all payments and reimbursements made under this arrangement.
ASUU's Concerns Over Implementation Pace
The release of funds comes amid growing concerns from ASUU over what it describes as the slow and uneven implementation of aspects of the renegotiated agreement, particularly the payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA). Recently, ASUU President Prof. Chris Piwuna stated that outstanding EAA payments had accumulated to 18 months as of May 2026. He warned that continued delays could trigger industrial action by the union.
Unlike CATA, which is a standing allowance, EAA is a duty-based payment earned by academic staff for specific responsibilities beyond regular teaching duties, including postgraduate supervision, external moderation, fieldwork, industrial training supervision, and other approved academic engagements. The union continues to press for full implementation of all components of the 2025 agreement, as several ASUU chapters across the country have expressed dissatisfaction over delays in settling outstanding obligations.
In October 2025, the Federal Government announced the release of N2.3 billion to university-based unions as part of efforts to clear the backlog of outstanding allowance arrears.
