The Federal Government has announced the release of eight months’ arrears of the Consolidated Non-Academic Staff Tertiary Institutions Allowance (CONTA) owed non-academic workers in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
The allowance covers the period from January to August 2026.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the release on Wednesday, days after non-academic staff unions issued an ultimatum over the outstanding payments.
Alausa said the payment demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to staff welfare and recognised the vital role played by non-academic personnel in keeping tertiary institutions functional.
“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,” he said.
The minister said the payment was part of the government’s broader efforts to address legitimate welfare concerns, promote industrial harmony and prevent disruptions to academic activities across the country.
“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 added.
Alausa also assured workers that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue consultations with relevant unions, heads of institutions and other stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues in the sector.
He appealed to academic and non-academic staff, institutional authorities and unions to sustain their cooperation in the interest of stability across tertiary institutions.
The minister said the ministry would continue to prioritise staff welfare, institutional stability, human capital development and improved learning outcomes.
“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.
