Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Federal Government has unveiled the 2026 agreements reached with academic and non-academic staff unions in tertiary institutions, describing the development as a major breakthrough towards restoring stability, improving workers’ welfare and ensuring uninterrupted academic activities.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Maruf Alausa, who spoke at the unveiling ceremony, said the agreements marked the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, where commitments between government and unions would be implemented as agreed.
Mr Alausa said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had demonstrated commitment to fulfilling its promises to Nigerians, stressing that an objective assessment of the government’s performance showed that more than 90 per cent of its campaign pledges had been achieved.
“Let us not allow opposition voices and candidates who have no clear understanding of the direction they want to take the country to create misinformation and disaffection among Nigerians. This is not a campaign platform, but we must assess issues objectively,” the minister said.
He described the period under the Tinubu administration as a “Nigerian renaissance,” urging Nigerians to focus on the achievements recorded in the last few years.
According to him, President Tinubu deserves another four years to continue ongoing reforms, adding that the country should judge the administration based on its actions rather than political rhetoric.
‘A Promise Made, a Promise Kept’
Mr Alausa expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his leadership and support in resolving longstanding challenges affecting the education sector, saying the agreements would not have been achieved without his intervention.
He said the signing represented a historic moment after decades of unresolved agreements between government and tertiary institution workers, which had often resulted in prolonged disputes, industrial actions and disruptions to academic calendars.
The minister noted that students and families had suffered the consequences of repeated strikes, with many four-year programmes extending beyond the expected duration due to interruptions.
“When President Bola Tinubu campaigned, he promised that a four-year course would be completed in four years. Today, through his leadership, these agreements give practical expression to that pledge — a promise made, a promise kept, and trust restored,” he said.
He assured that the Federal Government would honour its obligations under the agreements, noting that public confidence would depend on effective implementation.
CATA, CONTTA Take Effect
The agreements unveiled include the Consolidated Academic Tour Allowance (CATA) for academic unions in polytechnics and colleges of education, as well as the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tour Allowance (CONTTA) for non-teaching unions across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
The minister recalled that the agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was unveiled in December, adding that the newly unveiled agreements took effect from January 2026.
He confirmed that payments for both CATA and CONTTA had commenced across tertiary institutions, describing the allowances as support mechanisms for professional and operational needs of eligible personnel.
Mr Alausa stressed that quality tertiary education was closely linked to the welfare, motivation and working conditions of staff, adding that government would continue to promote fair treatment, transparent promotion processes, occupational safety and career development opportunities.
Monitoring Committee Expanded
To ensure proper implementation, the minister announced the expansion of the existing Implementation and Monitoring Committee (IMC) for ASUU agreements into a single committee responsible for monitoring all agreements involving academic and non-academic unions in tertiary institutions.
He explained that the decision was informed by the success recorded when one committee handled negotiations with all unions, adding that the Federal Government was considering making the expanded IMC a permanent structure.
“We must identify challenges early and resolve them quickly rather than allow unresolved issues to damage trust or disrupt academic activities,” he said.
The minister urged government agencies, institutional councils, management teams and union leaders to cooperate with the monitoring committee and ensure accurate records and compliance with implementation guidelines.
‘Don’t Go to the Press First’
Addressing union leaders directly, Mr Alausa urged them to adopt dialogue before resorting to industrial action.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has your back. Do not go to the press first when there are grievances. Bring them to this committee because we have created a channel to resolve issues,” he said
He added that strike action should not be the first option for resolving disagreements, stressing that the new agreements had removed the need for frequent industrial disputes in tertiary institutions.
According to him, the agreements contain a review clause that allows government and unions to revisit provisions every three years, creating room for adjustments through mutual discussion.
He commended ASUU, the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) and other non-teaching unions for their responsible participation during negotiations.
Mr Alausa said industrial harmony remained critical to achieving educational excellence, enabling institutions to plan effectively, sustain research activities and allow students to complete their studies without disruption.
He also praised the Federal Government Technical Institution Expanded Negotiation Committee, led by former Head of Service of the Federation, Malam Yayale Ahmed, CFR, for its dedication and commitment in reaching the agreement.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving staff welfare and maintaining a reliable academic calendar, declaring: “A four-year programme must be a four-year programme. A promise made, a promise kept.”
TETFund Hails Renewed Trust
On his part, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sunday Echono, said the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the education sector is restoring confidence among tertiary institution stakeholders.
Mr Echono reiterated that recent engagements with ASUU reflected a new level of trust between government and education sector workers.
He disclosed that during a meeting with ASUU two days earlier, discussions focused on progress and collaboration rather than appeals for government to address unresolved issues.
“I had a very fruitful meeting with ASUU two days ago, and for the first time, our discussions did not get to the point of begging, ‘please don’t do this.’ They acknowledged that this administration has kept to its word,” Mr Echono said.
According to him, the union described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a listening leader and requested that the message of appreciation be conveyed to the government.
The TETFund boss said the development showed that the administration was addressing critical sectors in line with its promises, with education remaining a major priority.
“Education is the centrepiece of this administration. All the unions and staff are being catered for, and our students are being given access to education regardless of the circumstances of their parents,” he said.
TETFund’s Fortunes Improve
Mr Echono further revealed that TETFund’s financial position had improved significantly following a recent engagement with President Tinubu.
He said concerns over the fund’s dwindling resources had been addressed, assuring tertiary institutions that ongoing interventions and future support programmes would continue.
“I had a meeting with Mr President on Friday, and today even TETFund is being strengthened. The account that was depleting and worried me has suddenly improved. We can assure you that all interventions and everything required of us will be delivered,” he stated.
The Executive Secretary urged stakeholders not to take the government’s commitment to education for granted, stressing that not every administration or presidential candidate would demonstrate the same level of dedication to the sector.
He described President Tinubu as a leader who prioritises education, shows compassion and is committed to maintaining stability within the nation’s tertiary education system.
“Let us not take this for granted. A president that prioritises education, a compassionate president, and a president that ensures stability in our system should be appreciated. Not every presidential candidate, and not every president, will have the same level of commitment,” Mr Echono added.
He called for continued support and continuity in the administration’s education reforms, noting that sustained investment remained critical to securing the future of Nigerian students and tertiary institutions.
