FG begins payment of ASUU salaries

Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa

The Federal Government has commenced the implementation of key welfare provisions contained in its renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), including enhanced salaries and allowances for lecturers in federal universities.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in a directive issued to Vice-Chancellors on Monday, announcing a 40 per cent increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance (CAA) for ASUU members. The increment takes effect from January 1, 2026.

Alausa reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of academic staff and ensuring stability within the nation’s university system. He noted that some federal universities have already begun reflecting the new allowance in their salary payments.

He directed all federal institutions to fully implement the adjustment by integrating the approved increase into their payroll structures to guarantee that eligible staff benefit without delay.

The minister also emphasized strict compliance with the payment of the Consolidated Tools Allowance (CATA). According to him, the allowance has been formally approved, circularised by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), and provided for in the 2026 budget.

He urged university managements to prioritise the timely disbursement of CATA using available resources and in line with NSIWC guidelines.

Alausa said the prompt implementation of both the CAA increase and CATA would boost staff morale, strengthen the academic environment, and improve teaching, research, and learning outcomes.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to honour agreements with education stakeholders through dialogue, transparency, and sustained industrial harmony to enhance the quality of education nationwide.