The Federal Government has begun implementing key welfare measures contained in its renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), signalling renewed efforts to stabilise the public university system.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press at the Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folashade, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, confirmed that the government has commenced a 40 per cent increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance (CAA) for ASUU members, effective from 1 January 2026.
According to the minister, some federal universities have already reflected the approved increment in their salary payments. He said steps are being taken to ensure uniform implementation across all federal institutions, with formal notifications issued to vice-chancellors to fully apply the increase within their payroll systems.
Dr Alausa also directed vice-chancellors of federal universities to strictly adhere to the approved framework for implementing the Consolidated Tools Allowance (CATA). He stressed the importance of prudent resource management to guarantee the smooth rollout of the allowance.
The minister explained that the payment of CATA has been duly captured and circularised by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), adding that its inclusion in the 2026 budget follows established statutory procedures.
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He urged university managements to take proactive measures to ensure prompt payment of the allowance in line with NSIWC guidelines, noting that timely execution of both the CAA increase and CATA would improve staff morale and strengthen teaching, research and learning outcomes across Nigerian universities.
Dr Alausa said the latest developments underscore President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of academic staff and the overall stability of the nation’s university system.
He further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to honour agreements reached with stakeholders in the education sector, emphasising its dedication to transparency, constructive engagement, industrial harmony and the continuous improvement of quality education in Nigeria.
