FG Announces 2026 Agreements with Tertiary Education Unions Begins Allowance Payments; The Federal Government has announced new 2026 agreements with academic and non-academic unions in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector and confirmed the commencement of approved allowance payments for eligible personnel nationwide, effective 1 January 2026.
Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the agreements are aimed at improving staff welfare, strengthening industrial relations and promoting stability in academic calendars across tertiary institutions.
Allowances Approved Under the 2026 Agreements
The agreements provide for two categories of allowances for eligible academic and non-teaching personnel.
- Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA): This allowance is for eligible members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU).
- Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTTA): This allowance is designated for eligible non-teaching staff.
Eligibility for the allowances and the payment process are subject to the terms of the agreements and the applicable implementation guidelines.
However, the Federal Government’s announcement did not specify the individual payment amounts for either allowance.
FG Expands Implementation and Monitoring Committee
Dr Alausa also announced plans to expand the existing Implementation and Monitoring Committee to cover both academic and non-academic unions.
The committee’s expanded coverage is intended to support the implementation of the agreements and monitor compliance with their provisions.
Minister Urges Unions and Government to Honour Agreements
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, encouraged all parties to fulfil their respective obligations and maintain cooperation throughout the implementation process.
The agreements also provide for a three-year review to assess progress, evaluate implementation and address emerging concerns.
The Federal Government said the agreements are intended to strengthen staff welfare and industrial relations while supporting a more stable academic calendar in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
