Relief has come for academic staff in federal universities as the Federal Government has released funds to settle five months of outstanding Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance owed to lecturers.
University authorities have been directed to commence immediate payment to all eligible staff without delay.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, in a letter dated June 4, 2026, and addressed to vice-chancellors of federal universities.
According to the ministry, the disbursement is part of the ongoing implementation of the 2025 agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The released funds are intended to clear the backlog of the allowance in line with commitments reached with the university lecturers’ union. Vice-chancellors were instructed to ensure swift and transparent payment to all affected academic staff.
The minister also directed that universities which may have used internal sources such as internally generated revenue to pay the allowance from January 2026 should be refunded once federal allocations are received. He added that such reimbursements must be properly documented in the relevant budget lines and accounts.
University managements were further advised to strictly adhere to financial regulations, maintain clear records of all payments and refunds, and treat the disbursement as urgent.
The allowance is designed to support academic work, including research, teaching materials, internet access, publications, and other tools required for effective university teaching and learning.
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