The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has directed vice-chancellors of federal universities to ensure the prompt payment of eligible staff entitlements under the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTA) and Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
Alausa, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to workers’ welfare, financial accountability and university autonomy.
Speaking during a meeting with vice-chancellors, the minister said the Federal Government had engaged relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Finance, to address funding challenges and facilitate the payment of outstanding arrears.
He explained that while some universities made payments in January, others subsequently experienced financial constraints as their available reserves declined.
According to him, government intervention helped resolve outstanding funding issues, with arrears reportedly paid up to September.
The minister, however, expressed concern over continued delays in payments to eligible university employees despite measures taken to address the funding challenges.
He urged university managements to work with relevant authorities to resolve outstanding cases and ensure that affected staff receive their legitimate entitlements without further delay.
Alausa explained that personnel allocations were based on approved wage bills and released monthly, noting that changes in staff strength resulting from retirements, attrition and other circumstances could affect actual personnel expenditure.
He stressed that funds allocated for personnel costs must be used strictly for their approved purposes, adding that university managements had a responsibility to ensure prudent financial management, transparency and accountability.
“It is not right. It is not acceptable,” the minister said, emphasising that workers should not be denied their legitimate entitlements because of avoidable administrative delays or poor financial management.
He added that the Ministry of Education would continue to engage university authorities to resolve outstanding payment issues and promote accountability in the management of public funds.
On university autonomy, Alausa reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to allowing institutions to manage their internal affairs within the framework of existing laws and regulations.
He, however, urged vice-chancellors to uphold transparency, integrity and accountability in appointments, recruitment and institutional administration.
The minister noted that autonomy must be matched with responsible leadership and a commitment to improving teaching and learning, strengthening university administration and expanding educational opportunities for Nigerian students.
He also called on vice-chancellors to sustain constructive engagement with the Federal Government, prioritise staff welfare and promote industrial harmony to prevent avoidable disruptions to academic activities.
Alausa assured stakeholders that the government would continue to pursue measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s higher education system, with emphasis on workers’ welfare, institutional accountability, university autonomy and quality education.
