FG approves payment of 8 months allowance to federal institutions non-academic staff

By Ifeanyichukwu Zita

The Federal Government has released the Consolidated Non-Academic Staff Tertiary Institutions Allowance (CONTA) for non-academic staff of all federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, covering the period from January to August 2026.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced the release on Wednesday, saying the payment reflected the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration to improving workers’ welfare, strengthening industrial harmony and creating an enabling environment for effective delivery of quality education.

According to the minister, the payment recognises the role of both academic and non-academic personnel in maintaining the stability and effective functioning of tertiary institutions.

Alausa said the release was also part of the Federal Government’s efforts to address legitimate welfare concerns, promote industrial harmony and minimise disruptions to academic activities across the country’s tertiary education system.

The announcement follows the commencement of payment of the Consolidated Academic Tertiary InstitutionsAllowance (CATA) to academicstaff on Monday.

The minister said the payments demonstrated the government’s efforts to meet its obligations to personnel across the tertiary education sector and strengthen institutions responsible for producing the skilled workforce needed for Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

He assured stakeholders that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to engage relevant unions, institutional authorities and other stakeholders to address outstanding issues, promote mutual understanding and foster a stable and productive tertiary education system.

Alausa commended academic and non-academicstaff, heads of institutions, unions and other stakeholders for their patience, understanding and continued cooperation with the Federal Government.

He further reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to policies and initiatives focused on staff welfare, institutional stability, human capital development and improved learning outcomes.

The Federal Ministry of Education said the government remained committed to fulfilling its obligations, addressing legitimate outstanding issues and sustaining reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education system and advancing human capital development.