The Federal Government has commenced the implementation of key welfare provisions contained in its renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), reaffirming President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to staff welfare and the stability of Nigeria’s university system.
Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, announced that the government has fulfilled its obligation to implement a 40 per cent increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance (CAA) for ASUU members, with effect from January 1, 2026, in line with the agreement reached with the union.
According to the minister, some federal universities have already begun reflecting the approved increment in their salary payments. He noted, however, that to ensure uniform compliance nationwide, all federal universities are being formally notified to fully cascade the increase across their institutions and integrate it into their payroll structures so that every eligible academic staff member benefits.
In a statement issued late Monday by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the minister also directed Vice-Chancellors to ensure strict adherence to the implementation framework for the Consolidated Tools Allowance (CATA).
Dr. Alausa urged university managements to make judicious use of available resources to guarantee the smooth rollout of the allowance, adding that the payment has already been captured and circularised by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
He explained that the inclusion of the allowance in the 2026 budget follows a formal statutory process and called on institutions to take proactive steps in effecting prompt payment in line with NSIWC guidelines.
The minister stressed that the timely implementation of both the CAA increase and CATA would strengthen the academic environment, boost staff morale, and support improved outcomes in teaching, research, and learning across Nigerian universities.
“The Federal Government reiterates its resolve to honour agreements entered into with stakeholders in the education sector and remains committed to constructive engagement, transparency, industrial harmony, and the continuous improvement of quality education in Nigeria,” the statement added.
