TMV Hails Release of Eight-Month CATA Arrears to Lecturers
Oru Leonard
The Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) has commended the Federal Government for releasing funds for the payment of eight months’ accumulated Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) to eligible academic staff in federal tertiary institutions.
The group said the payment, covering January to August 2026, demonstrated the government’s commitment to implementing agreements reached with academic staff and improving welfare in the tertiary education sector.
The Federal Government had announced the release of the funds for academic staff in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, with the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, saying institutions had been notified to commence payment to eligible staff.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chukwudi Enekwechi, and Secretary, Segun Ogedengbe, TMV described the development as a demonstration of good faith by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The statement said the payment was in line with the provisions of the 2025 Federal Government–Academic Staff Union of Universities (FGN-ASUU) agreement.
“We note that the payment is in line with the 2025 Federal Government of Nigeria–Academic Staff Union of Universities (FGN-ASUU) Agreement.
“It is also gratifying that the payment is to be applied across the federal government universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.”
TMV said the release of the funds would contribute to stability in the academic calendar by addressing one of the issues that have historically generated tension between government and academic unions.
The group added that improved and timely payment of allowances would help create a more conducive environment for teaching, research and learning.
CATA is designed to support academic staff with resources for teaching, research and professional development, including expenses related to academic publications, conferences, internet access, learned-society memberships and academic books.
The group further commended the administration for what it described as improved attention to the welfare of academic and non-academic staff, including salaries and allowances.
“It is also a thing of joy that since President Tinubu’s assumption of office, the tertiary institutions had witnessed prompt payment of salaries and allowances, as well as assurance of retirement benefits for the academic and non-academic retirees,” the statement said.
TMV urged stakeholders in the education sector to sustain constructive engagement and ensure that the implementation of government agreements translates into greater industrial harmony and uninterrupted academic activities.
The Federal Government had earlier released funds for five months of CATA arrears in June 2026 before the subsequent release covering January to August. The June release followed concerns over delays in implementing some aspects of the government’s agreement with ASUU.
(TMV Media)
