The Federal Government has commenced the rollout of welfare measures contained in its renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), with a 40 per cent increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance (CAA) now taking effect for university lecturers.
The agreement, signed on January 14 after prolonged negotiations concluded in 2025, was designed to stem recurring strikes and restore stability to Nigeria’s public university system.
In a statement on Monday, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the government had activated the allowance increase effective January 1, 2026, noting that several federal universities have already begun paying the revised sums to eligible staff.
He added that all vice-chancellors have been formally notified to implement the directive and integrate the adjustment into their payroll systems to ensure uniform compliance across institutions.
Alausa also reminded university administrators to strictly follow the implementation framework for the Consolidated Tools Allowance (CATA), stressing the need for prudent use of available funds to guarantee timely disbursement.
According to the minister, the CATA provision has been duly captured and circularised by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) and was incorporated into the 2026 budget through the appropriate statutory process.
He expressed optimism that the implementation of both allowances would boost morale among academic staff, strengthen teaching and research activities, and improve learning outcomes in federal universities.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to honour agreements with education stakeholders and sustain dialogue aimed at ensuring industrial harmony and improved standards in the nation’s tertiary education system.
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