FG Releases Eight-Month CATA Payment for Academic Staff in Tertiary Institutions

The Federal Government has released funds for the payment of eight months of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) to eligible academic staff in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

The payment covers the period from January to August 2026 and is being implemented under the 2025 agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed the development on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, shortly after inaugurating the Ministerial Committee on Accreditation.

Alausa said the affected institutions had been notified to commence payment to eligible academic staff.

CATA is an allowance intended to support lecturers with expenses related to teaching, research and other academic activities. Such expenses may include academic publications, conference participation, internet access, membership of learned societies and the purchase of academic books.

The minister said the release of the funds demonstrated the government’s commitment to implementing the 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement and improving the welfare of personnel in tertiary institutions.

He also disclosed that arrangements were being made to provide a corresponding allowance for non-academic staff, with funding expected to be made available in the coming weeks.

The latest development follows an earlier release of funds in June 2026 for five months of accumulated CATA arrears owed to eligible academic staff in federal universities.

However, the payment comes amid continuing concerns over the implementation of other aspects of the government’s agreement with ASUU, including outstanding Earned Academic Allowances.

While the Federal Government has announced the release of the CATA funds, the timing of payment to individual staff members may depend on the processing and disbursement procedures of their respective institutions.