Relief As FG Clears Five-Month Allowance Arrears For Lecturers

According to Ireporter Online, the Federal Government has released funds to settle five months of outstanding Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance owed to lecturers in federal universities across the country. University authorities have been directed to immediately commence payment to all eligible academic staff without delay.

The directive was issued by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, in a letter dated June 4, 2026, and addressed to vice-chancellors of federal universities. The move forms part of the ongoing implementation of the 2025 agreement reached 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 made during negotiations with the university lecturers’ union. Vice-chancellors have been instructed to ensure swift disbursement to affected staff to avoid further delays.

The minister further directed that universities which may have used internal resources, including internally generated revenue, to pay the allowance from January 2026 should be refunded upon receipt of federal allocations. He stressed that such reimbursements must be properly documented in the appropriate financial records and budget lines.

University managements were also urged to adhere strictly to financial regulations and maintain transparent records of all payments and reimbursements tied to the allowance. The government emphasized that the process should be treated as urgent and handled with full compliance.

The allowance is designed to support academic activities, including research, teaching materials, internet services, publications, and other essential tools required for effective university work.