The Federal Government has released the Consolidated Non-Academic Staff Tertiary Institutions Allowance (CONTA) to non-academic workers in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, covering January to August 2026.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji AlausaThe Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the payment on Wednesday, saying it aimed to boost staff welfare, strengthen industrial harmony, and prevent disruptions to academic activities across the nation’s tertiary institutions.

A statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, said the Tinubu adminiMstration remained committed to fulfilling its obligations to personnel in the tertiary education sector and implementing reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education system.

Alausa said the payment demonstrated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations to workers and creating a stable environment for the delivery of quality education.

He said the welfare and motivation of both academic and non-academic personnel remained critical to the effective functioning of tertiary institutions and the development of Nigeria’s human capital.

According to him, the release of CONTA was part of the government’s sustained efforts to address legitimate welfare concerns and minimise industrial disputes that could disrupt the academic calendar.

The development comes barely two days after the Federal Government commenced payment of the Consolidated Academic Tertiary Institutions Allowance (CATA)Consolidated Academic Tertiary Institutions Allowance (CATA) Consolidated Academic Tertiary Institutions Allowance (CATA) to academic staff, extending the allowance payments to non-academic personnel across the tertiary education system.

Alausa said: “The welfare, motivation and commitment of both academic and non-academic personnel are essential to the stability and effective functioning of our tertiary institutions and, ultimately, to the development of Nigeria’s human capital.”

The minister said the payments reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening institutions responsible for producing the skilled workforce needed to drive Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

He assured workers and other stakeholders that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue discussions with relevant unions, institutional authorities and other stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues and promote industrial peace.

Alausa also commended academic and non-academic staff, heads of institutions and unions for their patience and cooperation with the government.

He said the ministry under his leadership would sustain policies prioritising staff welfare, institutional stability, human capital development and improved learning outcomes.

The Federal Government’s latest move is expected to ease some of the welfare concerns that have fuelled tensions between tertiary education unions and government in recent years, while strengthening efforts to maintain a stable academic calendar.