The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the release of the Consolidated Non-Academic Staff Tertiary Institutions Allowance (CONTA) to non-academic staff of all federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. This payment covers the period from January to August 2026, and was made public by the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa.
According to Dr. Alausa, the release of CONTA demonstrates the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to workers' welfare, industrial harmony, and a stable academic calendar. The Minister made this statement through the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo.
The payment of CONTA is part of the Federal Government's efforts to address legitimate welfare concerns and minimise disruptions to academic activities in Nigeria's tertiary institutions. Dr. Alausa emphasized that the welfare, motivation, and commitment of both academic and non-academic staff are critical to the stability and effective functioning of these institutions and the development of the country's human capital.
The release of CONTA follows the commencement of payment of the Consolidated Academic Tertiary Institutions Allowance (CATA) to academic staff on Monday. Dr. Alausa stated that these two payments reaffirm the administration's commitment to meeting its obligations to personnel across the tertiary education sector.
The payments are aimed at strengthening the institutions responsible for producing the skilled workforce needed to drive Nigeria's socio-economic development. Dr. Alausa assured stakeholders that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to engage relevant unions, institutional authorities, and other stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues and promote mutual understanding.
Dr. Alausa commended academic and non-academic staff, heads of institutions, unions, and other stakeholders for their patience, understanding, and continued cooperation with the Federal Government. He reaffirmed that the ministry would sustain policies and initiatives prioritizing staff welfare, institutional stability, human capital development, and improved learning outcomes.
The Federal Government remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to education-sector personnel and sustaining reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria's education system in line with the human capital development objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the nation's education sector and the overall development of the country.
Key points
- The Federal Government has released eight months' worth of allowances to non-academic staff in Nigeria's tertiary institutions.
- The payment covers the period from January to August 2026.
- The release of CONTA aims to promote workers' welfare, industrial harmony, and a stable academic calendar.
