The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has disbursed five months' arrears of Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) to eligible lecturers across universities.
This development was contained in a circular signed by Tunji Alausa, minister of education, and addressed to vice-chancellors of federal universities.
It reads, “I write to inform you that the Federal Government has released funds for the payment of five (5) months' Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) to eligible academic staff of federal universities, in accordance with the provisions of the signed FGN/ASUU 2025 Agreement and in fulfilment of the FGN’s commitment to effective implementation of the agreement,” the circular reads.
“Consequently, you are requested to ensure the immediate clearance of all outstanding CATA payments due to lecturers and other eligible academic staff in your university.
“In addition, where the university had advanced funds from its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) or any other institutional source for the payment of the allowance from January 2026, appropriate steps should be taken to refund such amounts to the relevant university accounts and budget heads upon receipt of the Federal Government allocation.”
CATA is an allowance provided to academic staff to enable them to purchase necessary tools for efficient teaching and research.