The Federal Government has announced the release of eight months' arrears of the Consolidated Non-Academic Staff Tertiary Institutions Allowance to non-academic workers in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. The allowance covers January to August 2026. This move comes days after the workers issued an ultimatum. The announcement was made by Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, on Wednesday.
According to Dr Alausa, the payment signals the Federal Government's efforts to address staff welfare concerns across the tertiary education sector and ease tensions that could threaten the stability of the academic calendar. The minister emphasized that the release of CONTA demonstrates the administration's commitment to workers' welfare and recognition of the critical role played by non-academic personnel in keeping tertiary institutions functional.
The payment is part of the Federal Government's broader efforts to address legitimate welfare concerns, promote industrial harmony and minimise disruptions to academic activities nationwide. Dr Alausa stated that the administration will continue to strengthen institutions responsible for developing Nigeria's human capital. A stable tertiary education system is essential to the country's socio-economic development, he added.
Dr Alausa gave the assurance that the Federal Ministry of Education would sustain consultations with relevant unions, heads of institutions and other stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues. He appealed for continued cooperation from academic and non-academic staff, institutional authorities and unions. This move aims to ensure that the tertiary education sector remains stable and functional.
The minister said that the education ministry would continue to prioritise staff welfare, institutional stability, human capital development and improved learning outcomes. Dr Alausa added that the Federal Government remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to personnel in the tertiary education sector and addressing outstanding welfare issues in line with the human capital development objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The release of the eight months' arrears is a significant step towards addressing the welfare concerns of non-academic workers in the tertiary education sector. The workers had issued an ultimatum, threatening to take action if their concerns were not addressed. The Federal Government's move is expected to ease tensions and promote industrial harmony in the sector.
Deborah Tolu-Kolawole, the journalist who reported this story, is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with four years of experience covering Nigeria's vast education sector as well as related areas such as politics, health, security, and labour. Her work reflects strong newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accurate, audience-focused journalism.
Key points
- The Federal Government has released eight months' arrears of the Consolidated Non-Academic Staff Tertiary Institutions Allowance to non-academic workers in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
