The Nigerian government has commenced the implementation of key welfare components of its renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, in a statement issued by the Director of Press, Boriowo Folashade, said the Federal Government has fulfilled its obligation by commencing the implementation of a 40 per cent increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance (CAA) for ASUU members, with effect from 1 January 2026, in line with the agreement reached with the union.
“Some federal universities have already begun reflecting the approved increase in their salary payments. To ensure uniform implementation nationwide, all federal universities are being formally notified to fully cascade the approved increment across their institutions and integrate it into their payroll structures so that all eligible academic staff benefit accordingly,” he said.
In a directive issued to vice-chancellors of federal universities, Dr Alausa emphasised the need for strict compliance with the implementation framework for the Consolidated Tools Allowance (CATA).
He urged vice-chancellors to make judicious use of available resources to ensure the successful rollout of the allowance.
He further noted that the payment has already been captured and circularised by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), and that its inclusion in the 2026 budget is a formal statutory process.
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The minister urged university managements to take proactive steps to utilise their resources to ensure prompt payment of the approved CATA in accordance with NSIWC guidelines.
“Timely implementation of both the CAA increase and CATA will strengthen the academic environment, enhance staff morale, and support improved outcomes in teaching, research, and learning across Nigerian universities,” he emphasised.
According to him, the developments reaffirm President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of academic staff and the stability of the Nigerian university system.
He reiterated the Nigerian government’s resolve to honour agreements entered into with stakeholders in the education sector and said it remains committed to constructive engagement, transparency, industrial harmony, and the continuous improvement of quality education in Nigeria.