Eniola Yekini
The Federal Government has unveiled 12 agreements with academic and non-academic staff unions across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, introducing new allowances and measures aimed at improving staff welfare and preventing disruption of academic activities.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced this in a post on X, describing the agreements as another step towards resolving longstanding industrial disputes and ensuring students complete their programmes within the stipulated time.
“For too long, unresolved agreements and industrial disputes have disrupted academic calendars, forcing students to spend five, six or even seven years completing four-year programmes. Following our landmark ASUU Agreement, today we took another decisive step towards ending this cycle,” Alausa wrote.
The minister said the 12 agreements cover the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, Non-Academic Staff Union, NASU, National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics, SSANIP, National Association of Technologists in Education, NOTSUP, and Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education in Nigeria, SSUCOEN.
According to Alausa, the agreements introduce the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, CATA, and Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance, CONTTA, with effect from January 1, 2026.
He said strengthened oversight mechanisms had also been incorporated to ensure full implementation.
“Beyond staff welfare, these agreements will support uninterrupted learning, more effective institutional management and improved academic stability,” the minister stated.
Alausa added that the agreements, alongside the proposed Nigeria Higher Education Ranking and Assessment Classification, NHERAC, were intended to strengthen accountability and improve the management of tertiary institutions.
He commended the participating unions and the negotiating committee chaired by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, CFR, while acknowledging President Bola Tinubu for his role in the process.
The minister said the goal is to improve staff welfare, strengthen institutional administration and reduce delays in students’ academic progression.
“Our goal is simple: better-supported staff, better-run institutions and students who graduate on time,” he said.
“A four-year course must be a four-year course. A promise made. A promise kept.”