The Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) has commended the Federal Government for releasing funds for the payment of eight months of accumulated Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) owed to eligible academic staff in federal tertiary institutions.
The group said the payment, covering the period from January to August 2026, demonstrated the commitment of the administration of President Bola Tinubu to addressing outstanding welfare issues affecting lecturers in the nation’s tertiary institutions.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chukwudi Enekwechi, and Secretary, Segun Ogedengbe, TMV said the payment was in line with the 2025 Federal Government of Nigeria–Academic Staff Union of Universities (FGN-ASUU) Agreement.
The group noted that the implementation would extend across federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, describing the development as a significant step towards sustaining industrial harmony in the education sector.
“We note that the payment is in line with the 2025 Federal Government of Nigeria-Academic Staff Union of Universities (FGN-ASUU) Agreement,” the statement said.
“It is also gratifying that the payment is to be applied across the federal government universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.”
TMV said the release of the funds would contribute to stability in the academic calendar of tertiary institutions, particularly by reducing the likelihood of industrial disputes arising from unpaid allowances and other outstanding obligations.
The group also commended what it described as the prompt payment of salaries and allowances to academic and non-academic staff since President Tinubu assumed office, as well as assurances concerning retirement benefits for retirees in the sector.
“It is also a thing of joy that since President Tinubu’s assumption of office the tertiary institutions had witnessed prompt payment of salaries and allowances, as well as assurance of retirement benefits for the academic and non-academic retirees,” the group said.
TMV recalled that disputes between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities over salaries, allowances and other welfare-related matters had persisted for more than two decades, often resulting in disruptions to academic activities.
The group said the latest payment represented a further step towards addressing some of the longstanding issues in the sector and maintaining stability in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
