Nigerian govt pays eight-month tools allowance to varsity, polytechnic lecturers

The Federal Government of Nigeria has disbursed the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) for academic staff in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education for the eight-month period of January to August 2026. This allowance is intended to help staff purchase essential tools and materials for teaching, research and other academic purposes.

Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa announced the payment on Wednesday, just after inaugurating the Ministerial Committee on Accreditation. The payment fulfills the terms of the 2025 agreement between the government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities. Alausa stated that the Office of the Minister of Education has notified all institutions to commence the payment of CATA to all academic staff.

The government is also processing the allowance for non-academic staff, with hopes of disbursing these funds in the coming weeks. This release underscores President Bola Tinubu's dedication to enhancing the welfare of workers in tertiary institutions. Tinubu's administration has also focused on infrastructure development in tertiary institutions, alongside education reforms.

Alausa praised Tinubu's commitment to education, highlighting the President's promise to deliver high-quality education that meets global standards for every Nigerian child.