Ministry Of Education
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving Nigeria’s tertiary education sector following the unveiling of new agreements with academic and non-academic staff unions and the commencement of approved allowance payments to eligible personnel nationwide.
The Federal Ministry of Education announced this in a press release dated October 13, 2026, stating that the approved allowances would take effect from January 1, 2026.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the development as a significant milestone in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying it demonstrates the government’s commitment to honouring agreements, restoring confidence in collective bargaining and promoting industrial harmony across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
According to the Ministry, prolonged industrial disputes and delayed agreements have contributed to recurring strikes, disruptions to academic calendars and extended periods of study for students.
The new agreements provide for the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) for eligible members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU). They also provide for the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTTA) for eligible non-teaching personnel in tertiary institutions.
The Ministry said the allowances would be implemented in line with the agreed provisions and implementation guidelines.
Dr. Alausa also announced the expansion of the existing Implementation and Monitoring Committee, initially established for the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) agreement, to cover both academic and non-academic staff unions.
The committee is expected to monitor implementation, assess progress, identify challenges and promote accountability through periodic reports. The government is also considering making the committee permanent.
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, described the agreements as an important step towards improving staff welfare and strengthening industrial relations. She urged all parties to fulfil their obligations to ensure the agreements produce tangible improvements.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Service Policies and Strategies at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Ishaku Musa Mohammed, stressed that successful negotiations must be followed by effective implementation, continuous consultation, transparency and accountability.
The Ministry stated that the agreements provide for a three-year review to assess implementation and address emerging concerns.
It added that the Federal Government would continue working with relevant unions and stakeholders to improve staff welfare, strengthen industrial stability and minimise avoidable disruptions to students’ academic programmes.
The statement was signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, on October 13, 2026.
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