FG Directs VCs To Settle CATA, CONTA, CONMESS Arrears

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has warned vice-chancellors of federal universities against delays in the payment of staff allowances and salaries, saying further delays are unacceptable.

The minister specifically directed the settlement of entitlements under the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA), Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTA) and Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

Alausa gave the warning during a meeting with vice-chancellors, where he reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to workers’ welfare, university autonomy and accountability in the management of public funds.

“It is not right. It is not acceptable,” the minister said, expressing concern over reports that some eligible university employees were still experiencing payment delays despite government interventions.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, Alausa said the Federal Government had engaged relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Finance, to facilitate the payment of outstanding arrears.

He explained that although some universities made payments in January, several institutions subsequently faced financial constraints as their available reserves declined.

The minister said government intervention had helped resolve outstanding funding issues, with arrears reportedly paid up to September.

He urged university managements to work with the relevant authorities to resolve outstanding cases and ensure that eligible staff received their entitlements.

Alausa also stressed that personnel allocations were based on approved wage bills and disbursed monthly, noting that changes in staff strength resulting from retirements, attrition and other circumstances could affect actual personnel expenditure.

He warned that funds allocated for personnel costs must be used strictly for their approved purposes, insisting that university managements had a responsibility to uphold transparency and prudent financial management.

On university autonomy, the minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to allowing institutions to manage their internal affairs within the framework of existing laws and regulations.

He urged vice-chancellors to uphold accountability and integrity in appointments, recruitment and institutional administration, adding that autonomy must be matched by responsible leadership and improved teaching and learning.

Alausa also called on university authorities to prioritise staff welfare, maintain constructive engagement with the government and promote industrial harmony to prevent avoidable disruptions to academic activities.