The Federal Government has released funds for the payment of five months’ accumulated Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) to eligible academic staff in federal universities across the country.

The development was conveyed 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 universities.

CATA is a fixed allowance designed to provide lecturers with essential academic tools required for effective teaching, research and professional development. The allowance covers expenses related to journal publications, conference attendance, internet access, membership of learned societies and the acquisition of academic books.

The allowance was reviewed under the Federal Government–Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) 2025 agreement signed on January 14, 2026. It forms a key component of the new remuneration package for university lecturers and is part of the 40 per cent upward review of their emoluments.

In the circular, Alausa said the release of the funds underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing the provisions of the renegotiated agreement with ASUU.

“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 stated.

He directed vice-chancellors to ensure the immediate clearance of all outstanding CATA payments owed to lecturers and other eligible academic staff in their respective institutions.

The minister further instructed universities that had advanced funds from their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) or other institutional sources to cover the allowance since January 2026 to refund such amounts to the appropriate university accounts and budget heads once the federal allocation is received.

“In addition, where the university had advanced funds from its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) or any other institutional source for the payment of the allowance from January 2026, appropriate steps should be taken to refund such amounts to the relevant university accounts and budget heads upon receipt of the Federal Government allocation,” the circular added.

Alausa also directed university authorities to comply strictly with existing financial regulations and maintain accurate records of all payments and reimbursements made under the arrangement.

The release of the funds comes amid growing concerns by ASUU over what it described as the slow and uneven implementation of aspects of the renegotiated agreement, particularly the payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA).

Speaking recently, ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, said 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 paid as a standing allowance, EAA is a duty-based payment earned by academic staff for specific responsibilities carried out beyond their regular teaching duties.

These include postgraduate supervision, external moderation, fieldwork, industrial training supervision and other approved academic engagements.

The union has continued to press the government for the full implementation of all components of the 2025 agreement, as several ASUU chapters across the country have expressed dissatisfaction over delays in the settlement of 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. (Guardian)