The Federal Government has released 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, covering January to August 2026, 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, describing it as part of efforts to address workers’ welfare concerns and prevent disruptions to the tertiary education system.

Alausa said the payment demonstrated the government’s recognition of the critical 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,” he said.

The minister said the payment was also aimed at promoting industrial harmony and minimising disruptions to academic activities nationwide.

He assured workers and unions that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue consultations with relevant stakeholders to resolve other outstanding issues.

Alausa appealed to academic and non-academic staff, institutional authorities and unions to sustain cooperation, stressing that a stable tertiary education system was essential to Nigeria’s human capital development and socio-economic progress.

He said the government remained committed to fulfilling its obligations to personnel in the tertiary education sector and addressing outstanding welfare concerns under the Renewed Hope Agenda.