Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has called vice-chancellors of federal universities to ensure the timely payment of eligible staff entitlements under the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTA) and Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
The minister made the call during a meeting with vice-chancellors, reaffirming President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, accountability in personnel funding and respect for university autonomy.
According to a statement issued by Ikharo Attah, the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, on 18 October 2026, the Federal Government has engaged relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Finance, to address funding challenges and facilitate the payment of outstanding arrears.
Alausa explained that some universities had made payments in January but later experienced financial constraints as their available reserves declined. He said government intervention helped resolve outstanding funding issues, with arrears reportedly paid up to September.
However, the minister expressed concern over reports that some eligible university employees were still experiencing payment delays despite measures taken to address the funding challenges.
He urged vice-chancellors to work with the relevant authorities to resolve outstanding cases and ensure that affected employees receive their entitlements.
Alausa explained that personnel allocations were based on approved wage bills and disbursed monthly. However, changes in staff strength resulting from retirements, attrition and other circumstances could affect actual personnel expenditure.
He stressed that funds allocated for personnel costs must be used for their approved purposes, adding that university managements were responsible for ensuring prudent financial management, transparency and accountability in the administration of public resources.
“It is not right. It is not acceptable,” the minister said, emphasising that workers should receive their legitimate entitlements without avoidable administrative or financial management delays.
He added that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to engage relevant university authorities to address outstanding payment issues and promote accountability in the management of public funds in line with applicable laws and regulations.
Alausa Reaffirms Commitment to University Autonomy
The minister also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to allowing universities to manage their internal affairs within the framework of applicable laws and regulations.
He urged vice-chancellors to uphold transparency, integrity and accountability in institutional appointments, recruitment and administration.
According to Alausa, university autonomy must be accompanied by responsible leadership and a commitment to improving teaching and learning, strengthening institutional administration and expanding educational opportunities for Nigerian students.
He called on university leaders to sustain constructive engagement with the Federal Government, prioritise staff welfare and promote industrial harmony to minimise avoidable disruptions to academic activities.
Alausa reaffirmed that the government would continue to engage stakeholders and pursue measures to strengthen Nigeria’s higher education system, with emphasis on workers’ welfare, institutional accountability, university autonomy and the delivery of quality education.
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