FG Releases Eight-Month CATA Allowance to Lecturers Across Federal Tertiary Institutions

Minister announces full payment covering January to August 2026 for universities, polytechnics and colleges of education

The Federal Government has announced the full payment of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) to academic staff in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education for the period of January to August 2026. The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday shortly after inaugurating the Ministerial Committee on Accreditation in Abuja. The announcement brings relief to thousands of lecturers who have been awaiting the release of the eight-month allowance under the 2025 Federal Government–Academic Staff Union of Universities (FGN/ASUU) agreement.

CATA is a financial allowance provided to academic staff to support the purchase of essential tools and materials required for teaching, research and other academic activities. The allowance covers expenses such as journal publications, conference participation, internet services, membership of professional and learned societies, as well as the purchase of academic books. It forms a major component of the revised remuneration package for university lecturers under the 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement, signed on January 14, 2026, and constitutes part of the 40 per cent increase in their overall emoluments.

Speaking on the development, Alausa said the payment was made in accordance with the provisions of the 2025 FGN-ASUU agreement, reaffirming the government’s commitment to its implementation. “The Office of the Minister of Education is happy to announce that the full CATA payment has now been released by the Federal Government from January to August 2026 to all universities, all polytechnics and colleges of education,” Alausa said. “All these institutions should have received notification to start paying CATA to all academic staff.” The minister added that payment to non-academic staff was also being processed and expressed optimism that the funds would be made available in the coming weeks. “And also, the payment to non-academic staff, we’re hoping that these funds will be made available, hopefully, in the next few weeks,” he said.

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According to Alausa, the release of the allowance was another indication of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of both academic and non-academic staff in the nation’s tertiary institutions. “This is another indication of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to our academic and non-academic staff. President Bola Tinubu made a commitment to ensuring that the quality and welfare of our staff are prioritised. He has prioritised the welfare of our staff,” he said. The minister said the administration’s education reforms extended beyond staff welfare, noting that significant investments were also being made in infrastructure across tertiary institutions, as well as in basic and postgraduate education. “Beyond prioritising the welfare of our staff, he has also significantly invested in infrastructure at all our tertiary institutions and also basic and postgraduate education,” Alausa said. He added that the administration was committed to ensuring that Nigerian children receive quality education that can compete with standards anywhere in the world.

The latest announcement follows an earlier release covering five months of accumulated CATA payments announced by the government in June. In a June 4 circular addressed to vice-chancellors of federal universities, Alausa said the payment was part of efforts to implement the renegotiated agreements reached with ASUU. The CATA payment is separate from other components of lecturers’ remuneration, such as the Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) and Professorial Allowance.

The development comes against the backdrop of concerns recently raised by ASUU over the implementation of the allowance. At its recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in June, the union reviewed the implementation of the FGN-ASUU agreement and raised concerns over outstanding aspects of the new remuneration package, including CATA. ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, also called for clarity on the eligibility criteria for the payment of the allowance, particularly the phrase “eligible academic staff,” warning that ambiguity could lead to different interpretations by university authorities. The union stressed that CATA should be implemented in accordance with the agreement reached with the Nigerian Government and should not be confused with other components of lecturers’ remuneration.

Meanwhile, the announcement of the CATA payment has coincided with a dispute at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), where the institution’s chapter of ASUU declared an indefinite strike over alleged underpayment of August salaries. The union, in a communiqué signed by its Chairman, Professor Enaruna Edosa, and Secretary, Dr. Lucky Aimiyekagbon, directed its members to withdraw their services over what it described as the payment of half salaries to academic staff. However, the University Management denied claims that academic staff received half salaries in August 2026, explaining that the issue stemmed from a misunderstanding involving a particular allowance. In a statement signed by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, the Management said the confusion had been resolved. “The Management declared that the Federal Government has paid the salaries of all categories of staff up to August, 2026,” the statement said. “The Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), which was confused for salary, has now been released by the federal government and promptly disbursed to staff who are entitled to the allowance.” The Management assured staff that all legitimate entitlements would be paid without hindrance and urged stakeholders to avoid undue sensationalisation of issues to sustain the prevailing industrial harmony in the University.

Despite the latest payment, unresolved financial disputes continue to strain relations between academic unions and the government. ASUU and the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) have insisted on the payment of withheld salaries. Outstanding issues listed by the unions include the 25 and 35 per cent wage award arrears, promotion allowance arrears, and three and a half months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 strike by ASUU.

FG Releases Eight-Month CATA Allowance to Lecturers Across Federal Tertiary Institutions

NOUN appoints Ramatu Ibrahim acting Bursar after Marafa’s death

The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has appointed Mrs. Ramatu O. Ibrahim as Acting Bursar following the sudden death of the university’s substantive Bursar, Mallam Nasiru G. Marafa.

The appointment took effect on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, and will remain in force until further notice.

NOUN Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, announced the appointment in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The appointment was approved by Vice-Chancellor Professor Uduma Oji Uduma, with the concurrence of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Malam Isa Yuguda.

According to the university, the decision was taken to ensure continuity, stability and effective leadership in NOUN’s financial administration following Marafa’s death.

The university management described the late Bursar as a dedicated and dependable officer who served the institution with commitment, professionalism and integrity.

NOUN said Marafa’s contributions to the university’s financial administration and institutional development would be remembered with gratitude and appreciation.

Marafa’s death was announced by the university after he was reportedly shot while returning from Gusau, Zamfara State, on Sunday, September 6.

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He was appointed Bursar of NOUN in September 2022 and had served the institution in various capacities before his appointment to the position.

The university described his death as a significant loss to the NOUN community, while the Vice-Chancellor commended his commitment to professional standards, accountability and institutional responsibilities.

Following his death, Ibrahim, who previously served as Deputy Bursar, Treasury, has been assigned to oversee the university’s financial affairs in an acting capacity.

NOUN described Ibrahim as an experienced university administrator with extensive knowledge of the institution’s financial operations and administrative processes.

She has worked in several major operational units of the Bursary Department, gaining experience in accounting, financial management, treasury operations and related administrative functions.

In her immediate past role as Deputy Bursar, Treasury, Ibrahim provided professional leadership and oversight of the university’s treasury operations.

The Registrar said her broad experience across the Bursary Department, combined with her understanding of NOUN’s financial systems and institutional processes, places her in a strong position to provide effective leadership.

He added that her appointment was expected to sustain the delivery of efficient, transparent and accountable financial services across the university.

The university management expressed confidence in Ibrahim’s ability to discharge the responsibilities of Acting Bursar with professionalism, diligence, integrity and a strong sense of institutional responsibility.

The appointment is expected to provide administrative stability and ensure that the university’s financial operations continue without disruption during the transition.

NOUN management also called for the cooperation and support of members of the university community as Ibrahim assumes her new responsibilities.

The Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the university management, congratulated the new Acting Bursar and wished her a successful tenure.

NOUN appoints Ramatu Ibrahim acting Bursar after Marafa’s death

FG opens six-month teacher certification for BSc, HND, ND holders – How to Apply

The Federal Government has opened applications for a six-month professionalisation programme designed to help Nigerians who are currently teaching without formal professional teaching qualifications obtain recognised education credentials and become eligible for Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) registration.

The programme, known as the Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway (ATPP), is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

The initiative is targeted at non-professional teachers who already possess academic qualifications but lack formal pedagogical training and professional certification.

Applications for Cohort 1 of the 2026–2027 ATPP programme are currently open and are scheduled to close on September 18, 2026.

The programme offers two major qualification pathways: the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) for eligible holders of non-education bachelor’s degrees or HNDs, and the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) for eligible holders of ND or OND qualifications.

Who can apply for the ATPP?

The programme is designed primarily for serving teachers who are already working but do not have professional teaching qualifications.

Eligible applicants may be teaching in public and non-state schools, as well as in early childhood care, development and education, primary and secondary schools, technical and vocational education and training, non-formal education and alternative learning settings.

Community instructors and volunteer educators are also among those covered by the programme.

However, applicants seeking admission through the qualification pathways are required to have at least 24 months of classroom teaching experience.

This requirement means the programme is primarily intended to professionalise people who are already actively engaged in teaching rather than graduates seeking to enter the teaching profession for the first time.

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BSc and HND holders

Nigerians who hold a non-education bachelor’s degree or HND and are currently teaching can apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) pathway.

The PGDE runs for six months, comprising four months of hybrid coursework and two months of supervised teaching practice.

The programme carries 40 credit units and is designed to provide participants with the pedagogical knowledge and practical skills required for professional teaching.

Applicants are required to provide a valid National Identification Number (NIN), their bachelor’s degree or HND certificate and evidence that they are currently teaching.

Acceptable evidence of teaching may include an employment or appointment letter, an attestation from a headteacher, principal or relevant school authority, or appropriate pay records.

ND and OND holders

Holders of a National Diploma (ND) or Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in a non-education field who are currently teaching can apply through the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) pathway.

The PDE also runs for six months, consisting of four months of coursework and two months of supervised teaching practice.

The programme carries 37 credit units and is designed to equip participants with professional teaching knowledge, classroom skills and the competencies required to meet established teaching standards.

Applicants must provide a valid NIN, their ND or OND certificate and evidence of teaching experience.

What will ATPP participants study?

The ATPP says its PGDE and PDE programmes are aligned with the TRCN Professional Standards for Teachers.

The curriculum covers areas including professional knowledge, professional practice, professional values and ethics, professional engagement and continuing professional development.

Participants will also study foundations of education, educational psychology, curriculum and pedagogy, inclusive education and safeguarding, assessment and quality assurance, digital and blended learning, and subject methodology and specialisation.

The programme combines academic learning with supervised teaching practice to give participants both theoretical knowledge and practical classroom experience.

How to apply for FG’s six-month teacher certification programme

Eligible applicants can apply through the official ATPP application portal.

Applicants are required to create an account, provide their personal information, email address and telephone number, select the appropriate qualification pathway and submit the required documents.

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Applicants applying on behalf of another person are advised to use the applicant’s own email address because the email may be required for password recovery and other application-related communication.

Prospective applicants should carefully check the eligibility requirements and ensure that the information and documents submitted are accurate before completing the application.

The deadline for ATPP Cohort 1 applications is September 18, 2026.

What happens after the six-month programme?

Completing the ATPP does not automatically mean that a participant immediately becomes a fully registered or licensed teacher.

Candidates are required to complete the prescribed credit units, successfully undertake their supervised teaching practice, demonstrate professional conduct and satisfy the assessment requirements of their institution.

They must also sit for and pass the TRCN Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE).

Candidates who successfully meet the relevant requirements and pass the qualifying examination can then become eligible for TRCN registration in the appropriate category.

Where will the programme be offered?

The ATPP is being delivered through accredited institutions and study centres across Nigeria.

Institutions listed under the programme include the National Teachers’ Institute, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, University of Lagos, University of Port Harcourt, University of Ilorin, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Maiduguri, National Open University of Nigeria, MIVA Open University, Meadow Hall College of Education and Babcock University.

The use of multiple institutions and study centres is intended to make the programme accessible to serving teachers in different parts of the country.

How much does the ATPP cost?

The programme website lists the ATPP fee at ₦200,000 per teacher.

Applicants are advised to follow only the official application and payment procedures provided through the ATPP platform and to avoid making payments to individuals or unofficial platforms claiming to represent the programme.

The Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway is part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to strengthen teacher professionalisation and improve standards in Nigeria’s education sector.

For eligible BSc, HND, ND and OND holders who are already teaching, the six-month programme provides a structured route to obtain professional education qualifications and progress towards TRCN registration.

With the September 18, 2026 deadline approaching, eligible applicants are encouraged to complete the application process early and ensure that all required information and documents are properly submitted.

FG opens six-month teacher certification for BSc, HND, ND holders – How to Apply