The Federal Government has announced the release of eight months’ arrears of the Consolidated Non-Academic Staff Tertiary Institutions Allowance (CONTA) owed to non-academic workers in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
The allowance covers the period from January to August 2026, with the announcement coming days after non-academic workers issued an ultimatum over the outstanding payments.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the release on Wednesday, saying the payment was part of efforts by the Federal Government to address welfare concerns affecting workers across the tertiary education sector.
Alausa said the payment was also intended to ease tensions that could disrupt the stability of the academic calendar.
“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.”
According to the minister, the payment forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to address legitimate welfare concerns, promote industrial harmony and minimise disruptions to academic activities across the country.
He said the government would continue to strengthen institutions responsible for developing Nigeria’s human capital, stressing that stability in the tertiary education system was important to the country’s socio-economic development.
“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.”
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 continue cooperating with the government in addressing welfare and institutional concerns.
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.”
The release of the eight-month CONTA arrears is expected to ease concerns among non-academic workers in federal tertiary institutions following the recent ultimatum over the unpaid allowance.
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