By Gabriel Ameh
The Federal Government has begun implementing key welfare commitments in its renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), starting with a 40 per cent increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance (CAA) for lecturers.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced that the increase takes effect from January 1, 2026, and said some federal universities have already started reflecting the adjustment in salary payments.
To ensure the change is applied across board, the ministry has formally notified all federal universities to integrate the approved increment into their payroll systems so that eligible academic staff can benefit uniformly.
In a separate directive, the Minister also reminded Vice Chancellors of the need to comply with the implementation framework for the Consolidated Tools Allowance (CATA). According to him, the allowance has been captured in official circulars by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) and included in the 2026 budget.
University managements were urged to make use of available resources to ensure prompt payment of the approved allowances in line with NSIWC guidelines.
The ministry said the move is part of efforts to improve staff welfare, strengthen morale, and support better outcomes in teaching, research, and learning across Nigerian universities.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to honouring agreements with stakeholders in the education sector and maintaining industrial harmony.
Source: Federal Ministry of Education, Press Release (Feb. 9, 2026)
