The Federal Government has introduced a three-year review mechanism for its 2026 agreements with academic and non-academic staff unions in tertiary institutions to assess implementation and address emerging concerns.
The Federal Ministry of Education said the review was aimed at strengthening industrial harmony, improving staff welfare and promoting stability in the tertiary education sector.
The development comes as the government unveils the 2026 agreements with the unions and commences payment of approved allowances to eligible personnel nationwide, effective January 1, 2026.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the agreements as a demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to fulfilling promises under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Alausa said the agreements reflected the administration’s determination to improve staff welfare, strengthen industrial relations and ensure uninterrupted academic calendars.
He said, “The implementation of these agreements is an important step towards improving staff welfare and strengthening confidence between the government and education sector stakeholders.”
The agreements provide for the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) for eligible members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU).
They also provide for the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTTA) for eligible non-teaching personnel, subject to agreed provisions and implementation guidelines.
Explaining the government’s monitoring approach, Alausa announced the expansion of the existing Implementation and Monitoring Committee to cover both academic and non-academic unions.
He said, “Expanding the Implementation and Monitoring Committee will strengthen accountability and ensure that the agreements are effectively monitored.”
The committee is expected to track implementation, promote compliance with agreed provisions and identify challenges that may arise during the process.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, urged all parties to fulfil their obligations and sustain cooperation in implementing the agreements.
Ahmad said, “All stakeholders must fulfil their respective obligations and sustain cooperation to ensure the successful implementation of these agreements.”
She added that continued engagement between the government and the unions was important to maintaining industrial peace and stability in tertiary institutions.
The three-year review mechanism will provide an opportunity for both parties to assess implementation, identify gaps and address emerging concerns.
The ministry said the review would help ensure that the agreements remained responsive to the needs of academic and non-academic personnel.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the ministry said staff welfare and institutional stability remained central to efforts to strengthen the tertiary education sector.
It added that the agreements were intended to create a more stable academic environment and enable students to complete their programmes without avoidable disruptions.