Reported by Ariajegbe Sylvia Esezobor
The Federal Government has released the Consolidated Non-Academic Staff Tertiary Institutions Allowance to non-academic workers in all federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, covering the period from January to August 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening industrial harmony and preventing disruptions in the nation’s tertiary education system. The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced the payment on Wednesday, describing it as part of the administration’s efforts to improve workers’ welfare and support quality education delivery under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The release of the Consolidated Non-Academic Staff Tertiary Institutions Allowance is a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, strengthening industrial harmony and supporting quality education delivery,” Alausa said. He noted that non-academic workers played a critical role in the effective functioning of tertiary institutions and deserved recognition for their contribution to Nigeria’s education system. “The release recognises the critical role of both academic and non-academic staff in maintaining the stability and effective functioning of tertiary institutions, which are vital to Nigeria’s human capital development,” he added. The payment follows the earlier commencement of the Consolidated Academic Tertiary Institutions Allowance for academic staff, which the government released in September 2026, covering the same eight-month period.
The release of the CONTA arrears came less than 48 hours after the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities issued a strict 14-day ultimatum threatening a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike over the uneven implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU Agreement. The union had emerged from its 56th National Executive Council meeting at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where it demanded the immediate release of funds and full payment of outstanding arrears calculated from January 1, 2026. The ultimatum also demanded payment of two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action and one-year arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases. SSANU warned that failure by the Federal Government to meet its demands within 14 days would compel the union to resume a total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action without further notice.
Confirming the release of the eight months’ arrears, SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim commended Dr Alausa for what he described as proactive intervention and for keeping to his promise to facilitate the release of the funds. He advised members of the union in their various branches to liaise with the management of their universities to ensure prompt and judicious payment and to report back any shortfall. Before the ultimatum was issued, the minister reportedly contacted SSANU’s national president to confirm that the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation were processing the funds for release. SSANU described the minister’s proactive engagement, followed by the actual release of the arrears, as a reflection of a departure from the usual delay in implementing negotiated agreements.
Despite the release of the eight months’ arrears, SSANU maintained that the Federal Government must still settle the outstanding two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 strike and the one-year arrears from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases. The union described the obligations as legitimate entitlements that should not be subjected to further delay. The National Executive Council also called on state governments and governing councils of state-owned universities to ensure full, equitable and properly funded implementation of the agreement, warning that selective or delayed implementation could fuel unrest in the university system. While applauding the prompt payment of arrears, SSANU reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and industrial peace. It, however, insisted that it would deploy all lawful and constitutional means to protect the rights, welfare and professional advancement of its members where agreements are not faithfully implemented.
The minister assured stakeholders that the government would continue discussions with unions, heads of institutions and other partners to resolve outstanding issues affecting the sector. “The Federal Ministry of Education will continue engaging unions, institutional leaders and other partners to resolve outstanding issues and promote a stable, productive tertiary education system,” Alausa said. He commended workers, heads of institutions and unions for their patience and cooperation while reaffirming the government’s commitment to meeting its obligations. He said the administration would continue to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education sector and improving conditions for workers across tertiary institutions.
The release of the CONTA arrears is the latest in a series of interventions by the Tinubu administration aimed at addressing welfare concerns in the tertiary education sector. The government had earlier released the Consolidated Academic Tertiary Institutions Allowance for academic staff, and the twin payments signal a coordinated effort to stabilise the university system ahead of the 2027 general elections. The 2027 elections are scheduled for January 16, with the governorship and state assembly elections following on February 6, and education has emerged as a central issue in the campaign. The government has consistently pointed to its investments in education, including the Nigeria Education Loan Fund and the expansion of tertiary institutions, as evidence of its commitment to human capital development. The swift release of the CONTA arrears, coming just days after SSANU’s ultimatum, underscores the administration’s sensitivity to the political and industrial risks of a prolonged confrontation with university-based unions.
For the non-academic staff who have waited since January for their allowances, the release represents both financial relief and a recognition of their role in keeping tertiary institutions functional. For SSANU, the outcome validates its strategy of combining constructive engagement with credible strike threats. For the government, the payment averts an imminent disruption of academic activities and reinforces its narrative of responsiveness to workers’ welfare. As Alausa put it, the release reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, strengthening industrial harmony and supporting quality education delivery. The coming weeks will determine whether the remaining outstanding entitlements are settled and whether the industrial peace achieved by this intervention can be sustained.
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