Prosper Okoye
Nigeria’s federal government has started implementing key parts of a new pay and welfare agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), officials said Monday, in a move aimed at easing labour tensions in the country’s public universities.
Education Minister Maruf Tunji Alausa said the government has approved a 40% increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance for university lecturers, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Some federal universities have already begun paying the higher amounts, he said.
The government has also moved to implement the Consolidated Tools Allowance, known as CATA, which covers teaching and research support costs.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAlausa said the allowance has been approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and included in the 2026 budget.
In a directive to vice chancellors of federal universities, the minister urged school administrators to ensure the increases are applied uniformly across all institutions and integrated into payroll systems.
The government said the measures are part of a renegotiated agreement with ASUU and are intended to improve staff welfare, boost morale and stabilise Nigeria’s public university system, which has been repeatedly disrupted by strikes over pay and funding.
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ASUU, one of the country’s most powerful labour unions, has led several nationwide strikes in recent years, shutting down universities and disrupting academic calendars.
The government said it remains committed to honouring agreements with education sector unions and maintaining industrial peace.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
