By Stella Odueme
The Federal Government has released the Consolidated Non-Academic Staff Tertiary Institutions Allowance (CONTA) to 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, who announced the development, said the payment demonstrated the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, industrial harmony and a stable academic calendar.
Alausa in a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, on Wednesday, said the release of the allowance reflected the government’s recognition of the important role played by both academic and non-academic personnel in ensuring the stability and effective functioning of tertiary institutions.
According to him, the payment is 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 minister noted that the development followed the commencement of payment of the Consolidated Academic Tertiary Institutions Allowance (CATA) to academic staff on Monday.
He said the payments reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening tertiary institutions responsible for producing the skilled workforce needed to drive Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Alausa assured stakeholders that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to engage relevant unions, institutional authorities and other stakeholders in addressing outstanding issues and promoting a stable, productive and globally competitive tertiary education system.
He commended academic and non-academic staff, heads of institutions, unions and other stakeholders for their patience, understanding and continued cooperation with the Federal Government.
The minister further reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to policies and initiatives that prioritise staff welfare, institutional stability, human capital development and improved learning outcomes.
The ministry said the Federal Government remained committed to fulfilling its obligations to personnel in the tertiary education sector, addressing legitimate outstanding issues and sustaining reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education system.