By Seun Ibiyemi
The Federal Government has announced the release of eight months’ arrears of the Consolidated Non-Academic Staff Tertiary Institutions Allowance (CONTA) owed non-academic workers in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
The payment covers arrears accumulated between January and August 2026 and comes days after non-academic staff unions issued an ultimatum over the outstanding allowance.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the release on Wednesday, saying the payment was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to address staff welfare concerns and prevent disruptions in the tertiary education sector.
Alausa said the release of the allowance demonstrated the administration’s recognition of the role played by non-academic personnel in keeping tertiary institutions functional.
“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,” the minister said.
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According to him, the payment is also intended to promote industrial harmony and minimise disruptions to academic activities nationwide.
He said the government remained focused on resolving legitimate welfare concerns affecting workers in the tertiary education sector, stressing that a stable education system was essential to Nigeria’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 said.
The minister further disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Education would sustain consultations with relevant unions, heads of institutions and other stakeholders to resolve other outstanding issues.
He appealed to academic and non-academic staff, institutional authorities and unions to continue cooperating with the government to maintain stability across the tertiary education system.
Alausa 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,” he added.
The release of the eight-month CONTA arrears is expected to ease tensions among non-academic workers and support efforts to maintain uninterrupted academic activities across federal tertiary institutions.
