Government Clears Eight Months’ Tertiary Workers’ Arrears

The Nigerian Government has released eight months’ arrears of the Consolidated Non-Academic Staff Tertiary Institutions Allowance (CONTA) for workers in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

The payment, covering January to August 2026, comes days after non-academic workers in the institutions issued an ultimatum over the outstanding allowance.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the release on Wednesday, saying the payment was part of the government’s efforts to address welfare concerns among tertiary education workers and prevent issues that could disrupt the academic calendar.

Alausa said the release of the arrears reflected the administration’s recognition of the role played by non-academic personnel in keeping tertiary institutions operational.

“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,” Alausa said. 

He added that the payment was also intended to support industrial harmony and reduce the risk of disruptions to academic activities across the country.

According to the minister, the government would continue to strengthen institutions responsible for developing Nigeria’s human capital, noting that stability in the tertiary education sector was essential 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,” he said. 

Alausa also said the Federal Ministry of Education would maintain consultations with relevant unions, heads of institutions and other stakeholders to address outstanding issues affecting workers.

He urged academic and non-academic staff, institutional authorities and unions to continue cooperating with the government as efforts to resolve welfare concerns continue.

He added that the Nigerian Government remained committed to meeting its obligations to personnel in the tertiary education sector and resolving outstanding welfare issues in line with the human capital development objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The 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.