The Federal Government of Nigeria has released eight months' arrears of the Consolidated Non-Academic Staff Tertiary Institutions Allowance (CONTA) to non-academic workers in federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. This move aims to strengthen industrial harmony and prevent disruptions in the nation's tertiary education system. The allowance covers January to August 2026 and was announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
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. According to Alausa, the welfare and motivation of both academic and non-academic staff remain central to ensuring stable institutions and producing the skilled manpower required for national development.
The payment of CONTA is part of the Federal Government's broader efforts to address legitimate welfare concerns, promote industrial harmony, and minimize disruptions to academic activities nationwide. The government commenced payment of the Consolidated Academic Tertiary Institutions Allowance (CATA) to academic staff barely two days before announcing the CONTA release.
The Minister of Education emphasized that the administration would continue to strengthen institutions responsible for developing Nigeria's human capital, stressing that a stable tertiary education system is essential to the country's socio-economic development. Alausa assured stakeholders that the Federal Ministry of Education would sustain consultations with relevant unions, heads of institutions, and other stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues.
Alausa appealed for continued cooperation from academic and non-academic staff, institutional authorities, and unions as the government implements its reforms in the sector. He reiterated that the ministry under his leadership would continue to prioritize staff welfare, institutional stability, human capital development, and improved learning outcomes.
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 government has taken steps to address staff welfare concerns across the tertiary education sector and ease tensions that could threaten the stability of the academic calendar.
The release of CONTA and the commencement of CATA payments signal the Federal Government's efforts to address staff welfare concerns and promote industrial harmony in the nation's tertiary education system. The Minister of Education emphasized the importance of a stable tertiary education system to the country's socio-economic development and the need for continued cooperation from stakeholders.
Key points
- The Federal Government releases 8 months' arrears of CONTA to non-academic staff in tertiary institutions.
- The release of CONTA aims to strengthen industrial harmony and prevent disruptions in the nation's tertiary education system.
- The government remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to personnel in the tertiary education sector and addressing outstanding welfare issues.
