The Federal Government has disbursed money to pay five months of unpaid Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance for qualified teaching staff across federal universities.

In a June 4 memo to vice-chancellors, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, ref no. FME/IS/UNI/C.98/Vol.2/14, said the release follows terms of the January 2025 deal between the government and ASUU. He described it as part of efforts to honour commitments made under the pact.

Alausa instructed university heads to immediately clear all outstanding CATA payments due to academic staff. For institutions that used IGR or other internal funds to cover the allowance from January, the minister said those sums should be repaid to the right budget lines once federal funds land.

He also warned VCs to follow financial rules strictly and keep accurate records of every payment and refund made under the directive.

The payment comes weeks after ASUU flagged slow implementation of the January agreement and threatened strike action, accusing the government of dragging its feet. Education stakeholders believe the disbursement will calm tensions and show progress on university reforms.

Source: Punch.