The Federal Government has approved the payment of eight months of outstanding Consolidated Non-Academic Staff Tertiary Institutions Allowance (CONTA) owed to non-academic workers in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
The allowance covers arrears from January to August 2026.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the approval on Wednesday, days after non-academic staff unions issued an ultimatum over the unpaid allowance.
Alausa said the payment was part of efforts by the government to address workers’ welfare concerns, promote industrial harmony and prevent disputes in the tertiary education sector from disrupting academic activities.
“The release of CONTA demonstrates the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and recognition of the critical role played by non-academic personnel in keeping tertiary institutions functional,” Alausa said.
He said the government remained focused on strengthening institutions responsible for developing Nigeria’s human capital, noting that stability in the tertiary education system was essential to the country’s socio-economic development.
“The administration will continue to strengthen institutions responsible for developing Nigeria’s human capital. A stable tertiary education system is essential to the country’s socio-economic development,” he said.
The minister added that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue engaging relevant unions, heads of tertiary institutions and other stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues.
He also appealed to academic and non-academic staff, institutional authorities and unions to sustain cooperation in the interest of stability across the education sector.
Alausa reiterated that staff welfare, institutional stability, human capital development and improved learning outcomes remained priorities of the ministry.
“The Federal Government remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to personnel in the tertiary education sector and addressing outstanding welfare issues in line with the human capital development objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Alausa added.
