Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Federal Government has commenced implementation of key welfare components of its renegotiated 2025 agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), approving a 40 per cent increase in the Consolidated Academic Allowance (CAA) for lecturers in federal universities, effective January 1, 2026.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the development in a statement and directive issued to vice-chancellors on Monday, February 9, 2026.
The approval follows the signing of the updated ASUU–FG agreement on January 14, 2026, after prolonged negotiations concluded in 2025, aimed at averting recurrent industrial actions and improving working conditions in public universities.
According to Alausa, the Federal Government has fully discharged its obligation under the agreement by authorising the 40 per cent CAA increment for eligible academic staff.
“The Federal Government has fulfilled its obligation under the agreement by approving the 40 per cent Consolidated Academic Allowance (CAA) increase for ASUU members, with effect from January 1, 2026,” the minister stated.
He disclosed that some federal universities have already begun reflecting the increment in salary payments, while measures are being taken to ensure uniform implementation across all institutions.
Vice-chancellors, he said, have been formally directed to integrate the increase into their payroll systems to guarantee prompt payment to beneficiaries.
The minister also stressed strict adherence to the implementation framework for the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), noting that it is tax-free and has been duly captured and circularised by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
He added that the allowance was processed through established statutory procedures and incorporated into the 2026 budget.
“Timely implementation of both the CAA increase and CATA will strengthen the academic environment, boost staff morale, and enhance outcomes in teaching, research, and learning across Nigerian universities,” Alausa said.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to honouring agreements with stakeholders in the education sector, emphasising transparency, industrial harmony, and sustained efforts to improve the quality of higher education in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
